Support the Insect Zoo
Description
The University of Maryland Insect Zoo sparks scientific curiosity through engaging, hands-on discovery. Our USDA-permitted facility houses over 85 live species—from tarantulas and scorpions to ants and giant leaf bugs—introducing thousands of community members to the wonders of STEM.
Running a living zoo and driving regional outreach requires continuous daily care, supplies, and dedicated student staff. Beyond our community visits, the Zoo serves as a vital campus engine for student leadership and public service. Central to our mission is educational equity: prioritizing free programming for Title I and underserved schools across the DMV so cost is never a barrier to hands-on science.
Fueling Free STEM Outreach
We are launching the UMD Insect Zoo Fund to support the activities of the Zoo. Help us each our initial $5,000 goal, which along with contributions of a matching donor, will enable us to deliver completely free programming for 20 title 1 schools this year.
Double Your Impact Today
MATCHING GIFT: Thanks to a generous donor, every dollar up to $5,000 will be matched 1:1—doubling your support instantly!
YOUR IMPACT: Your gift directly fuels UMD student leaders, sustains vital animal habitats, and brings zero-cost interactive STEM programming to underserved schools across the DMV.
Join us in inspiring the next generation of Terp scientists—make your tax-deductible gift today to double your impact!
Gifts in support of the University of Maryland are accepted and managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc., an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization authorized by the Board of Regents. Contributions to the University of Maryland are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please see your tax advisor for details.
$10
Roly-Poly
Your donations help the Insect Zoo keep rolling! This level supplies a whole week of fresh greens, fruits, and veggies for our hungry herbivores.
$25
Glowspot Roach
Glowspot roaches have 2 bright orange spots on their back. Your donation helps our Insect Zoo with its next "Glow Up"—funding a brand-new critter keeper terrarium!
$100
Walking Sticks
Did you know Maryland is home to the Northern Walking Stick (Diapheromera femorata)? Your $100 gift helps us travel to schools across the state, bringing hands-on insect education to rural and Title 1 classrooms free of charge.
$500
Mantis
There are at least 1,700 species of praying mantises worldwide. This level funds a custom-made climate-controlled rearing station equipped with precision lighting and automated humidity controls to safely raise rare exotic mantises—like Ghosts and Orchids—from cute hatchlings to adults we can let people hold.
$1,000
Rosie's Club
Sponsor our star Chilean Rose Tarantula, Rosie, and fund hands-on learning! Your $1,000 donation covers a full semester's overhead for one student employee while keeping Rosie, Stella, Taco, and Oscar fed and ready to meet the community.