Salisbury Zoo’s pair of Green Araçari welcome baby bird

Guava; Image Courtesy of City of Salisbury 

SALISBURY, Md. – The Salisbury Zoo is celebrating after their pair of Green Araçari recently welcomed a new chick!

The baby bird, named 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, Zoo officials say Guava fledged on Oct. 27, and is now beginning to explore his surroundings.

The arrival marks an exciting milestone for the Zoo’s Animal Care team, and contributes to the long-term conservation of this tropical bird species. 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.

For those visiting the Araçaris’ exhibit, Guava can be distinguished from his parents by his shorter, more compact bill and the absence of leg bands. Over the coming months, the Zoo says his appearance will gradually develop to resemble that of his father, Clint, exhibiting a fully black crown of feathers and lighter irises. As Guava learns to navigate his habitat, precautions may be observed by visitors. For example, soap will be applied to the window to visually demarcate the barrier, and the pool will be drained to ensure the chick can build flight strength before being exposed to deeper water.

To learn more about Guava, and the upcoming Wild Vibes Festival where you can see him, visit the City’s website here.