SALISBURY, Md. — The Salisbury Zoo invites the community to join Zoo staff and supporters on Wednesday, June 17, at 10 a.m. for the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Zoo’s new Expedition Ecuador Habitat, featuring the white-nosed coati. The project marks a significant milestone in the Zoo’s ongoing commitment to animal care, guest experience, and immersive habitat design.
The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on June 17 at 10 a.m., and members of the public are encouraged to attend and celebrate this milestone with the Zoo.
This project represents the first entirely new habitat constructed at the Zoo in more than 15 years. Designed with both animal welfare and visitor engagement in mind, the new habitat will provide a dynamic and enriching environment for a band of coatis (a social family group) while also accommodating the natural behavior of adult males, which typically live solitary lives. Coatis are highly social mammals native to Central and South America and are members of the raccoon family.
Construction is expected to be completed before the end of 2026. Once finished, the habitat will feature two outdoor viewing yards, allowing guests to observe these active and curious animals in a naturalistic setting. In addition, the facility will include new viewing windows to the interior, providing guests with opportunities to see the coatis regardless of weather conditions.
The return of coatis reflects a long-standing goal within the Zoo’s institutional collection plan to bring this species back to the Salisbury Zoo. Known for their long snouts, ringed tails, and curious personalities, coatis will provide guests with a unique opportunity to observe and learn about one of South America’s most fascinating species.
In a recent development highlighting the Zoo’s commitment to animal welfare, the Salisbury Zoo was contacted by the USDA and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan regarding an urgent need to rehome a coati from a facility in northern New York that was closing. With plans for the new habitat already underway, the Zoo was able to step in and provide a home.
A middle-aged female coati named Lulu recently arrived at the Zoo and is currently being cared for in a dedicated holding area within the animal hospital. She is in excellent condition and will transition into her new habitat once construction is complete, where she is expected to thrive.
“This groundbreaking represents another step forward in our commitment to providing exceptional animal care and engaging experiences for our guests,” said Chuck Eicholz, Director of the Salisbury Zoo. “We are excited to share this moment with the community and look forward to providing Lulu with a new home here at the Salisbury Zoo.”
This project would not be possible without the support of the newly formed Salisbury Zoo Foundation, Inc., the Zoo’s 501(c)(3) fundraising organization, as well as the generous support of the Palmer Foundation, whose contribution helped launch the project.
Fundraising efforts remain ongoing, and additional support is needed to bring the project to completion and provide Lulu with her permanent home. For more information on how you can support Expedition Ecuador, visit: https://salisburyzoo.org/support/fundraising/expedition-ecuador/
Additional information regarding the habitat’s grand opening will be announced as construction progresses.
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