Chester Zoo in England was tickled pink on June 29 when the first of several baby flamingos began to break out of its shell. Twenty more have arrived since, increasing the total number of Caribbean flamingos currently at the zoo to 120. Chester Zoo made the announcement on Twitter, tweeting out a photo and a caption that read “Fabulous fluffy flamboyant FLAMINGO chicks have hatched!”
The flamingo chicks look like tiny balls of cotton wool, mostly because they start out white or grey in color when born. Around six months old, the baby flamingos will develop their iconic pink feathers. Of the world’s five species of flamingo, the Caribbean flamingos are known to have the brightest and pinkest plumage of all.
Currently, the 21 baby flamingos are being hand fed by zookeepers at regular timed intervals, four times a day. They will require special care for around another five weeks to ensure that they make it through to adulthood and form another breeding colony. To help their feathers develop and maintain their bright pink color, the flamingos have to eat special foods that contain all the nutrients and healthy ingredients required to help their plumage colorfully grow out.
Once all of the new chicks are developed enough to feed and look after themselves, the group will move to another zoo to help form a brand new colony.
By: Maytinee Kramer
