By David Maull
TV Times

Jim Rapp describes the Salisbury Zoo as a hidden jewel in the forest.

And that treasure is being discovered by more and more people, especially those wanting a brief escape from the summer insanity at local resort beaches.

"This is a great place to come when you've just had it," joked Rapp, the zoo's director.

Located within the Salisbury, Md. city park, the zoo houses a total of about 500 animals, most of which hail from North, Central and South America.

Among its attractions are alligators, river otters, jaguars, spider monkeys, spectacled bears and bison. There is also a large bird area that contains a bald eagle, macaw, screech owl and various species of ducks and tropical birds.

A large river running through the complex provides a natural home for hundreds of waterfowl.

Admission is free and rarely does one have to battle the crowds found in larger city zoos.

"It's a very inviting, very natural zoo," Rapp said. "It's a lot more laid back, it's a lot more casual."

The zoo's small size allows visitors to get close to the animals, a bonus not usually found in larger facilities, Rapp said.

"There's rarely a time when you can't get up and close," he said. "It's hard to beat a small zoo's package."

Energetic animals such as spider monkeys, otters and prairie dogs, tend to be most popular.

"Generally, people affiliate with the active animals," Rapp said.

Strangely, the zoo began almost by accident.

In the mid-1950s, a number of semi-tame wild animal were turned loose in a mostly-wooded area of the park. Those animals soon began attracting people to the area.

In 1967, the city appointed a commission to oversee the development of a full-fledged zoo in the park. Soon, more than 200 animals were on display and the complex has grown ever since.

"It just kind of happened," Rapp said. "It started off as a smattering of semi-tame wild animals in the park. It really blossomed in the '70s."

Today, the zoo receives more than $30,000 a year in donations and offers tours and animal adoption programs. There is also a visitors center, education center and concession stand on the grounds.

Rapp noted August is the zoo's busiest month and attendance increases on cloudy days not fit for beach goers.

Its attraction is a form of entertainment and education suitable for the entire family, he added.

Coupled with the picnic facilities, playground, tennis courts, horseshoe pits and paddle boats also located in the park, the zoo offers a pleasant respite from the summer crowds.

"You can make a nice day out of this place," Rapp said.

WHERE: Located inside the Salisbury, Md. City Park.

DIRECTIONS: Follow Route 50 west into Salisbury, turn left on Beaglin Park Drive (behind old Salisbury Mall), follows signs to zoo.

COST: Admission is free at all times.

HOURS: Open every day from 8 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

IF YOU GO: Call (410) 548-3188 for more information. Tours are available for school and civic groups but must be booked in advance.