The Salisbury Zoo is celebrating a new addition to its animal family with the successful hatching of a male Green Araçari named Guava. The arrival marks an exciting milestone for the Zoo’s Animal Care team and an opportunity to contribute to the long-term conservation of this tropical bird species.
Guava hatched on Sept. 21 to parents Clint and Natasha, who joined the Salisbury Zoo in early 2026. After spending his first weeks in the nest under the care of both parents, Guava fledged on Oct. 27 and is beginning to explore his surroundings.
Green Araçari are members of the toucan family, native to the rainforests of South America. These fruit-eating birds typically nest in tree cavities, where both parents help raise their young, demonstrating a contrast to many other bird species that evict young after a certain age. Guava can be distinguished from his parents by his shorter, more compact bill and the absence of leg bands. Over the coming months, his appearance will gradually develop to resemble that of his father, Clint, exhibiting a fully black crown of feathers and lighter irises.
The population of Green Araçari in human care is cooperatively managed to support genetic diversity and long-term population sustainability. The Salisbury Zoo is proud to contribute to these efforts through Guava’s successful hatch. Depending on future breeding recommendations, Guava may eventually be paired with a mate at another institution or remain at the Zoo to help raise future offspring.
Visitors can look for Guava, along with his parents and the Zoo’s Red-footed Tortoises, Franklin and Sally, in the Rainforest habitat along Tropics Trail. As Guava learns to navigate this space, precautions may be observed by visitors, such as soap applied to the window to demarcate the barrier; a drained pool to ensure the chick can build flight strength before being exposed to this depth of water; and the securing of this group within the indoor space, which safeguards our newest addition as his adult plumage emerges to provide insulating warmth.
The Zoo’s commitment to providing quality habitats and animal care extends beyond its newest arrival. This Saturday, Nov. 14, the Salisbury Zoo will host its annual Wild Vibes Festival, a 21-and-older fundraising event supporting the construction of a new habitat for the Zoo’s coati, Lulu.
Held from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wild Vibes will feature live music on two stages, local craft beer and wine, animal-themed games, local craft vendors, food trucks and opportunities to explore the Zoo. General admission is $45 and includes a sampling, with non-drinking and Zoo member passes available for $25. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 15.
“Every new addition to our zoo represents an opportunity to further our mission of connecting people with wildlife and supporting conservation,” said Jamie Nichols. “We are excited to share Guava’s story with our community, and we hope everyone will join us this weekend for Wild Vibes to see him and also help make our new coati habitat a reality.”
Proceeds from Wild Vibes will support the Zoo’s Expedition Ecuador fundraising initiative and the development of the new habitat. Community support helps the Salisbury Zoo continue to improve animal habitats, provide high-quality animal care and create meaningful educational and conservation opportunities. For more ways to support the new coati habitat, visit salisburyzoo.org/support/fundraising/expedition-ecuador/.
For more information about Wild Vibes Festival and other upcoming events, visit salisburyzoo.org/events/.
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