Randuwa II: Salisbury Zoo: Salisbury, Maryland

Crossing toward the center of the zoo, you encounter a pair of aviaries on either side of a rather generous habitat that is home to the Red-necked or Bennett's Wallaby. The zoo added this collection of Australian fauna in 2018 redeveloping an area that had been a grassy lawn with a small habitat for a Bobcat. The aviaries are home to a combined total of 5 bird species: Kookaburra, Tawny Frogmouth, Spotty Whistling Duck, Straw-neck Ibis and a pair of Masked Lapwing. To date, the zoo has been successful at breeding the Wallabies.

I applaud the zoo for making this choice in expanding its collection into a new geographic set of biomes. The design of the area creates a lovely immersive experience and one where guests who are patient can really get some up-close time with the animals. Visitors will also encounter the public restrooms and gift shop in this area. There is a small food kiosk in the same building as the restrooms; however, it was closed and a small food truck offering ice-cream was parked in front of it.

A couple of views of the habitats. You can the first aviary on your left with the second in the background to the right.

Closer to the viewing area for the Wallaby habitat and you get a better look at the second aviary.

STRAW-NECKED IBIS

Threskiornis spinicollis

As I was admiring these magnificent birds, a dad with his young son came up. The boy was excitedly shouting, "Look, Dad! Look! A toucan!" The Dad recognized the error and staired at the placard with the bird's image and some words on it. Then he said, "I don't think that's a toucan. It's an..." and then he proceeded to attempt to pronounce "ibis" in about half a dozen ways, none of which turned out to be correct. Did I intervene? No WAY! Why would I spoil this kid's opportunity to see what a great dad he has?

Standing the edge of the habitat, I was scanning far and wide to catch a glimpse of the Red-necked Wallaby with I caught sight of a young couple enjoying the exhibit from another vantage point. The young man was waving at me in a low-key, giggling his hand, sort of way. When he had my attention, he made a downward pointing gesture, and damn, there he was. Sitting practically at my feet! I gave the stranger a thumbs-up thank-you.