Pinocchio makes move to exhibit ahead of debut

Salisbury zoo was closed Wednesday to the public due to a monumental event, Pinocchio the Andean Bear finally making his move to his new bear exhibit home.

The move is part of the process of getting Pinocchio used to his new environment, and eventually to move in with his new mate Chaska.

We're told how quickly Pinocchio and Chaska meet depends on factors like positive reaction and interest shown in each other.

So far they have shown curious behavior but no signs of stress or being scared, a good sign.

"So far they have done some mild vocalizations toward one another, trilling basically, which in this circumstance generally means a calm 'hey, it's ok, I'm not going to hurt you, I'm just trying to figure out what's going on,'" says Zoo collection manager Ian Shelley.

"He calmed down right away once we got him in.  He was eating and was sort of smelling, could smell the female and making some vocalizations," says zookeeper Caleb Oliver.

Th public will be able to view Pinocchio this Saturday from 1 to 2, part of the Welcome Pinocchio Party, held in front of the Andean Bear exhibit.