Floating flamingo has discovered a unique way to keep cool
Flamingos are known to be kings of relaxation often standing on one leg for long periods of time.
However, one flamingo at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre in Gloucestershire, has taken chilling out to the extreme and has taken to floating.
The 52-year-old Andean flamingo started the unusual behaviour a few weeks ago as the weather warmed up and now regularly indulges in a mid-afternoon float.
Flamingo expert Paul Rose who studies the flocks at WWT Slimbridge had never seen the behaviour before.
Paul said: “Lots of flamingos go for a quick paddle around but I’ve never seen anything like this.
“I first noticed the unusual behaviour as the weather warmed up a few weeks ago so I think it is his way of keeping cool in the heat of the day.
“He floats with his legs outstretched behind him for long periods of time.
“I think it is his way of relaxing, as he seems very content. It is presumably the equivalent to a human floating in a swimming pool on a lilo.”
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This year the flamingos at WWT Slimbridge are enjoying a very successful breeding year thanks to the warm weather.
You can see all six species of flamingo at WWT Slimbridge. For more information go online to www.wwt.org.uk/slimbridge
