All hands (and feathers) are on deck as we welcomed a sea of pink with 39 Chilean flamingos arriving from Auchingarrich Wildlife Park to join the Colchester Zoological Society family.
Since their arrival, the 39 birds have spent some time in quarantine before joining our current flock of 25 flamingos down at the lake. This is to allow our team to perform health checks on the birds to ensure that they can be mixed safely with our current residents.
Bringing the total flock to 64 birds, our Estates and Maintenance Team have been busy expanding the already existing habitat by transforming their current indoor house as well as ensuring the whole area has been fenced to accommodate the birds, with new gates being installed at the top end of the habitat. This fenced area gives the birds more space within their habitat. With the increase in flamingo numbers, visitors will now be able to enjoy their vibrant colours with the installation of better viewing access along Scoop and Go and Wrap and Roll.
On 3rd August 2026, the two separate flocks were mixed to become a ‘flamboyance’! It is hoped that these new arrivals will encourage breeding amongst the flock. The Animal Care Team will be watching and listening carefully for the pitter patters of webbed feet. It is thought that flamingo’s pair for life!
Chilean flamingos are currently listed as ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with an estimated population of about 200,000 individuals in the wild.
Did you know… Flamingos have bristle-like tongues to filter water and food. The colouring of their pink feathers comes from the tiny shrimps that they eat!
There are many ways you can help support Chilean flamingos both here at CZS and out in the wild, from adopting the flamingos to making a donation. Even your visit to the Zoo will help to care for wildlife and wild places!
