Salisbury, MD – The Salisbury Zoo will soon bid a heartfelt farewell to one of its most cherished residents. Chaska, the Zoo’s female Andean bear, will be relocating to the Alexandria Zoo in Louisiana in early May as part of a carefully planned move to support her long-term care and the future of Andean bears at the Salisbury Zoo.
In honor of Chaska’s many years in Salisbury, the Zoo invites the community to a special celebration during Earth Day on Saturday, April 26th. This event will feature special enrichment activities for Chaska and engaging opportunities to learn about Andean bears and their conservation.
Chaska came to the Salisbury Zoo in 2013 from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Over her 12 years in Salisbury, she has been a significant part of the Zoo’s animal family and breeding efforts. Chaska has been housed with two different male bears and is the proud mother of four cubs—two singletons and a set of twins. Her cubs have been placed in zoos around the world, contributing to the genetic diversity of the species in human care.
Now 15 years old, Chaska is no longer recommended for breeding under the Andean Bear Species Survival Plan (SSP). This decision is based on her lineage being well-represented in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) population. To ensure her comfort and safety during the transition, a professional zoo transport company, accompanied by a veterinarian, has been hired to carry out her relocation.
Chaska’s move will make way for the construction of the Zoo’s new Andean bear exhibit, a major development that will occupy the current Andean bear and former North American otter exhibit space. All resident bears are being relocated to facilitate demolition and construction for this exciting upgrade. Thank you to Perdue for generously funding the architectural and construction plans for the new exhibit. Their support plays a vital role in helping the Zoo continue its mission of excellence in animal care, conservation, and education.
Chaska has played an important role in the Salisbury community and has left a lasting impact on Zoo guests and staff. Her departure is bittersweet, but it marks an exciting new chapter as the Zoo looks ahead to continuing its commitment to Andean bear conservation and education.
About Andean Bears
Andean bears (also known as spectacled bears) are the only bear species native to South America, inhabiting the Andes Mountains and surrounding ranges from western Venezuela to Bolivia. They are primarily vegetarian, consuming a wide variety of plant species, and are known as the most arboreal of all bears—often building nests high in treetops.
The Salisbury Zoo is proud to partner with Andean Bear SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) and remains committed to global conservation efforts for this Vulnerable species, as classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their primary threats include habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.
Zoo visitors can help support Andean bear conservation in a simple yet impactful way: by purchasing Bird Friendly® certified coffee, which is grown using methods that preserve habitat for bears, birds, and other wildlife. This eco-friendly coffee is available in the Zoo’s Gift Shop.
The Salisbury Zoo encourages the public to visit in the coming weeks to say goodbye to Chaska and take part in her farewell celebration. As the Zoo prepares to break ground on a new era of Andean bear care, we look forward to sharing this journey with the community.
For more information, please visit salisburyzoo.org.
