Salisbury Zoo is saying goodbye to its Andean Bear

MARYLAND – The Salisbury Zoo is saying goodbye to one of its furriest friends. In September, Raymi, their Andean Bear will be transported to a zoo in Switzerland.

The Andean Bear Species Survival Plan, or SSP, works closely with Andean Bear SAFE, or Saving Animals from Extinction. According to Vanessa Junkin- Marketing and Outreach Manager for the Zoo, they recommended that Raymi be re-homed.

She says Andean bears are a solitary species, so they won’t miss each other much. She says although it’s sad to see him go, it’s overall best for the ecosystem. “I’m sure that the zoo staff and the community will miss Raymi but this is good for the conservation of the Andean Bear species and these decisions are made with a lot of thought behind them so it will be a good move for Andean Bears as a whole.”

If you want to see him before he leaves, stop by before September 2nd and say your goodbyes to Raymi the Bear.