Salisbury Zoo announces 5-year master plan. Here's what's ahead, including new exhibits.

Big plans are in the works for the Salisbury Zoological Park.

Director Chuck Eicholz shared the zoo has recently come up with a 5-year master plan in an effort to become accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The zoo lost its accreditation in 2020 due to the lack of a veterinarian and general neglect to the facility.

"We are bumping up our standards for animal care," Eicholz said.

According to Eicholz, the zoo will work closely with local energy company Delmarva Power to implement a brand-new high-grade electrical grid by the end of April. The well-overdue update to the zoo's wiring system is said to be the first step in the 5-year master plan.

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An eagle exhibit is in the works at the Salisbury Zoo

The zoo also plans to open two new exhibits this year.

A brand-new eagle exhibit is set to open near the end of April or early May.

Presently, the zoo is in possession of two eagles, both of which are flightless. The new eagle exhibit will be designed for birds to take flight.

"This project has been in the works for 15 years," Eicholz said. "There was a fundraiser for a new eagle exhibit 15 years ago. Now, we're ready to move forward with the permanent facility."

The zoo has also started working on its new coati exhibit, shared Eicholz.

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Zoo will remain open except for couple essential days

The zoo will remain open during the majority of its restoration and exhibit construction, and only close for one or two days when the electrical grid is installed.

"It's a valuable resource for families. We try to keep the park open as long as we can," Eicholz said.

The zoo, which was founded in 1954, continues to receive tremendous support to this day from the surrounding Eastern Shore community.

"We've got the community's support, and we know we've got the City Council's and mayor's. They've been embracing us throughout this whole change," Eicholz said. "They all feel very strongly that this will be AZA accredited, basically the gold standard for animal care."

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Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Salisbury Zoo launches 5-year master plan. Here's everything to know.