Salisbury, MD – The Salisbury Zoo is pleased to welcome two new members of our flock. A pair of Green Araçari are now observable on habitat, marking the first time this species has been cared for at the Salisbury Zoo.
Natasha and Clint, the Green Araçari, will join the Red-footed Tortoises in the newly renovated Rainforest habitat along the Tropics Trail. The pair arrived from two zoological institutions, one in Texas and one in New Jersey.
Green Araçari are a small ramphastid, a toucan relative, found in lowland forests of northeastern South America, including parts of the Amazon Basin, the Guianas and the eastern Orinoco River drainage of Venezuela. This species is sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females display distinct physical characteristics that can be used as identifiers in human care. Male Araçari have a black crown, while the female’s crown appears more reddish-brown.
The population of Green Araçari in human care is cooperatively managed to ensure long-term genetic viability. The Salisbury Zoo is proud to collaborate with zoological colleagues toward the potential for reproduction, a feat never assured, but a shared goal in supporting the care of this charismatic species.
Renovations to the Rainforest habitat have included masonry modification, the addition of new shift doors, renovation of the indoor and outdoor pools, completion of a secondary containment area and new paint throughout, among other improvements. These renovations were undertaken to ensure a high quality of animal wellbeing for all current and future Rainforest inhabitants in perpetuity.
Chuck Eicholz, Zoo Director added, “These habitat renovations and species collaborations reflect long-term planning centered on animal wellbeing and the potential to contribute to healthy, sustainable populations in human care.”
The Salisbury Zoo looks forward to inviting visitors to meet the new additions and share their story with the Eastern Shore. The birds can be viewed in the Rainforest habitat along the Tropics Trail. The Zoo is open daily beginning at 9 a.m., and donations to support animal care and education are welcomed. Guests and community members who wish to support the Zoo’s ongoing conservation efforts, including future habitat improvements, may contribute at https://salisburyzoo.org/support/donate/.
