ANDEAN BEAR, RAYMI, SAYS GOODBYE TO SALISBURY AND HELLO TO SWITZERLAND
Salisbury, MD - The Salisbury Zoo in Maryland is about to bid farewell to one of its beloved Andean bears, Raymi, who will commence an international journey to Zoo Zürich in Switzerland this September.
Born at the Salisbury Zoo on January 16, 2022, Raymi's stay has been longer than most. His twin, Inti, relocated to the Racine Zoo in Wisconsin earlier this year. Meanwhile, their parents, Chaska and Pinocchio, remain at Salisbury and the Nashville Zoo.
Raymi's new Swiss adventure results from a recommendation by the Andean Bear Species Survival Plan (SSP), an organization committed to saving animals from extinction. In association with Andean Bear SAFE, the SSP liaises on international conservation efforts. Salisbury Zoo's Registrar, Jessica Mandelson, is the secretary of this pivotal partnership.
"Through an international network of zoos, we aim to enhance genetic diversity in Andean bears. Pinocchio, being wild-born, contributes vitally to this effort," explained Mandelson.
In Zurich, Raymi will meet a female Andean bear with anticipation of breeding. The Andean bears, typically solitary creatures, only gather for this purpose.
Raymi's last day on exhibition at the Salisbury Zoo will be September 2, with the journey to Zurich commencing the following day. Mandelson and a Salisbury Zoo veterinarian will accompany Raymi to Switzerland to ensure a smooth transition to his new environment.
While the zoo staff will miss their beloved bear, the international move is crucial for preserving the species.
"The Salisbury Zoo has contributed effectively to Andean bear breeding for many years, and it is an honor to help expand the bear population under human care on such an international platform," said Zoo Director Chuck Eicholz.
Born at the Salisbury Zoo on January 16, 2022, Raymi's stay has been longer than most. His twin, Inti, relocated to the Racine Zoo in Wisconsin earlier this year. Meanwhile, their parents, Chaska and Pinocchio, remain at Salisbury and the Nashville Zoo.
Raymi's new Swiss adventure results from a recommendation by the Andean Bear Species Survival Plan (SSP), an organization committed to saving animals from extinction. In association with Andean Bear SAFE, the SSP liaises on international conservation efforts. Salisbury Zoo's Registrar, Jessica Mandelson, is the secretary of this pivotal partnership.
"Through an international network of zoos, we aim to enhance genetic diversity in Andean bears. Pinocchio, being wild-born, contributes vitally to this effort," explained Mandelson.
In Zurich, Raymi will meet a female Andean bear with anticipation of breeding. The Andean bears, typically solitary creatures, only gather for this purpose.
Raymi's last day on exhibition at the Salisbury Zoo will be September 2, with the journey to Zurich commencing the following day. Mandelson and a Salisbury Zoo veterinarian will accompany Raymi to Switzerland to ensure a smooth transition to his new environment.
While the zoo staff will miss their beloved bear, the international move is crucial for preserving the species.
"The Salisbury Zoo has contributed effectively to Andean bear breeding for many years, and it is an honor to help expand the bear population under human care on such an international platform," said Zoo Director Chuck Eicholz.
