On the Move
The Houston Zoo recently relocated its flock of 53 Chilean flamingos to a new temporary home with the help of around 70 people, including volunteers and zoo staff members. The flock followed a 125-yard human barricade to reach their new space in the Wortham World of Primates exhibit, where modifications were made to specifically accommodate their needs. The flamingos will stay there for approximately two years until upgrades to their original exhibit are finalized as part of the Birds of the World exhibit complex.
Temporary Home
The flamingos’ temporary home in Wortham World of Primates is easy to spot from across the orangutan exhibit. The space was formerly used as a babirusa exhibit but was modified to include improvements to the pool, fencing, and greenery to meet the flamingos’ needs.
Exhibit Upgrades
The upgrades to the flamingo exhibit are part of a bigger transformation into the state-of-the-art Birds of the World exhibit complex, which will feature several bird species from around the globe. The original flamingo exhibit will become a walk-through aviary.
Flamingo Flock on a Walk: A Stunning Sight to Behold
Flamingos, with their bright pink feathers and graceful long necks, are among the most exotic and enchanting birds of the animal kingdom. Watching a flock of flamingos in motion is truly a spectacular sight, and one that is increasingly rare with habitat loss and climate change threatening these majestic creatures. Yet, if you happen to be in some parts of the world, especially in Africa, Asia or South America, you might still have the privilege of witnessing a flamingo flock on a walk.
Walking is not a common mode of transportation for flamingos, as they prefer wading and swimming in shallow water to search for food. However, when it comes to breeding season, which usually occurs between July and September, flamingos must travel on foot to reach their preferred breeding sites. Thus, it’s during this time that you have the best chance to see flamingo flocks on the move.
To some people, watching a flamingo walk might sound like a peculiar event. But in reality, flamingos are graceful and efficient walkers, with a unique gait that sets them apart from other birds. Their long legs and webbed feet allow them to stride elegantly through shallow water or mud. Some flamingos can walk for miles without pausing, especially during breeding season when time is of the essence.
The most fascinating aspect of flamingo walks, however, is the synchronized movement of the flock. Flamingos are social creatures, and they typically form large colonies or “flocks” when they are breeding or searching for food. A typical flamingo flock can consist of thousands of individuals, all walking together in unison.
It might seem like a chaotic scene, but every flamingo in the flock knows exactly where they are going and why. They follow the leader, who is usually the oldest and most experienced bird in the group. The leader determines the direction and speed of the walk, and the rest of the flock follows along, keeping a constant pace and distance from one another. It’s a mesmerizing display of teamwork and cooperation that is breathtaking to observe.
While flamingo walks are mostly associated with breeding, they can also occur when the flock is on the move to find a new feeding area or escape a predator. Sometimes, flamingos walk through urban areas, crossing streets and sidewalks, much to the amazement of onlookers.
Witnessing a flamingo flock on a walk might be a rare event, but it’s an experience that is unforgettable. It’s a chance to connect with one of the most marvelous creatures in the animal kingdom, and marvel at their unique beauty and elegance. As we continue to face environmental challenges that threaten the survival of flamingos and other endangered species, it becomes even more important to cherish these moments of natural wonder and take action to preserve the habitats that these birds call home.
