Major improvements at the Salisbury Zoo

SALISBURY, Md. — The Salisbury Zoo is temporarily closed as crews work to repave pathways throughout the grounds, a project officials say will make the park more accessible and safer for everyone.

Officials from the Salisbury Zoo say the improvements will not only enhance guests’ experiences but also help the zoo regain accreditation through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The repaving project is one of many the zoo has planned for the next several years.

“We’ve got some capital projects, some of which we’re raising funds for now, some we’ve already earmarked. So, we’re very excited about some big improvements happening here at the zoo,” Salisbury Mayor Randy Taylor said.

Freshly paved walkways will make the zoo more accessible for visitors with disabilities and enhance safety, according to Salisbury Zoo Director Chuck Eicholz.

“It’s long overdue; this project’s been in the works since 2014,” Eicholz said. He added, “By putting down all new pavement, this will make all the paths accessible to everyone.”

The zoo lost its accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2020. The welfare of the Salisbury Zoo’s animals was never a concern for the organization, but the park’s maintenance and accessibility were. With repaving and other projects underway, the zoo is set to reapply for accreditation by 2027, two years earlier than expected. Regaining its accreditation will increase the zoo’s eligibility for funding and grants and allow it to participate in AZA programs and services.

“Doing this project now, we’re actually going to be reapplying in 2027, so it actually bumped it two years in the process,” Eicholz said.

The upgrades don’t stop there; the zoo is looking forward to welcoming a few new residents and renovating its current habitats soon.

“We are actually working on three new habitats for animals that will be coming here over the next six months to a year,” Eicholz said.