Salisbury Zoo Welcomes Endangered Chacoan Peccaries

SALISBURY, MD - The Salisbury Zoo has announced the arrival of five Chacoan peccaries, an endangered species new to the Zoo's collection. The herd consists of five individuals: Fern, Wilma, Anjie, Adzuki, and Jelly.

Chacoan peccaries are native to the Gran Chaco region of Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina.

Although sometimes associated with pigs, they are only distantly related. Their natural habitat is hot, dry scrubland. The species is endangered, with fewer than 3,000 remaining in the wild, primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

The new peccaries arrived from accredited zoos across the country as part of a cooperative species-management effort. This transfer highlights the Salisbury Zoo's commitment to wildlife conservation and the protection of vulnerable species.

"It is our privilege to care for these charismatic animals and to bring awareness to the plight of their wild counterparts," said Luke Krider, Salisbury Zoo Collection Curator. "We are proud to contribute to long-term survival, sustainability and health of the Chacoan peccary in human care and in the wild."

To accommodate the new arrivals, the Salisbury Zoo staff completed extensive upgrades to the existing habitat. These preparations included replacing the perimeter fence, removing foliage, and adding outdoor holding yards to facilitate safe introductions among the group.

The interior holding building was also updated in collaboration with multiple contractors. Improvements feature new metal shift doors for safe herd management, a new roof, new flooring for improved hygiene, and a new HVAC system for climate control.

A new public viewing window has been installed, allowing guests to observe the peccaries indoors year-round.

The Zoo acknowledged Parker Block and DW Masonry for their donations toward the renovation of the interior holding space, noting that sponsor support is vital for creating modern and functional environments for animal care.

The Chacoan peccaries are now housed in the South America habitat, located across the boardwalk from the American bison and greater rhea.

Those who wish to support the Zoo's conservation efforts can make a contribution online at salisburyzoo.org/support/donate.

Photo provided by City of Salisbury