Salisbury Zoo eyeing expansion of Australian exhibit, prepping for summer

Officials at the Salisbury Zoo are preparing for another expected busy summer ahead.

Ralph Piland, director of the zoo, says they're currently working on an expansion of their Australian exhibit.

They're also building aviaries. These areas will include a wide variety of winged species, including spotted whistling ducks.

According to Piland, they'll likely be opening the aviaries in phases starting early this summer.

Construction on the new conservation area is on schedule. Rafters and the roof are in the process of going up. He says the center will primarily focus on reptiles and amphibians.

"We're hoping to bring in some exciting specimens, some large snakes that I think will impress people as well as some conservation stories. We're hoping to partner with the Maryland Zoo that's done a lot of conservation work with the Golden Frog," explains Piland.

The core building of the conservation center is expected to be open by mid-summer. 

For the Salisbury Zoo, May is the most heavily attended month for visitors; however, June, July, and August are busy times as well.