Contact: Kyle Shepherd
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
(O) 502-238-5331 (C) 502-744-5639
Louisville Zoo to have Largest Chilean Flock in North America
The Louisville Zoo is happy to announce that, with the recent addition of 49 Chilean flamingos, it is now hosting the largest Chilean flock in North America. The Zoo’s Chilean flamingo flock, also called a “flamboyance,” will feature an impressive 89 birds (up from 38). An additional two flamingos are expected to arrive soon.
“Flamingos are very social birds and thrive in large groups. It has been shown that larger flocks in human care are more successful at nesting, hatching eggs and raising chicks,” said Louisville Zoo Bird Curator James McKinney. “This change will increase the welfare of our birds overall. The Louisville Zoo is also partner of the AZA Andean Highland Flamingo SAFE program which supports the conservation of Andean, Chilean, and Puna flamingos. We hope to inspire guests with these spectacular birds so they will feel encouraged to help in our conservation efforts. In their natural range, flamingos are losing habitat due to the mining of rare earth minerals which are used in everyday electronics.”
The Zoo is celebrating the arrival of its newest additions on April 26 with a “Pink Out.” Guests are encouraged to join in on the fun by wearing their brightest pink to the Zoo that day and receive $2 off admission at the windows. At 11 a.m., the flamboyance will march into their Americas Zone habitat in a stunning flurry of pink.
International Flamingo Day
The holiday was started in 2020 by the Flamingo Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to draw attention to the difference between the six flamingo species.
Guests looking for additional ways to celebrate the new flamingo flock can become a symbolic parent through the Zoo’s ADOPTS program. “Adopt” the Zoo’s flamingo flock to help support their care! For more details, visit https://louisvillezoo.org/adopts.
The Zoo is open daily, year-round. Current hours are 10 a.m. ─ 5 p.m. (stay until 6 p.m.) through September 17. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
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The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
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