Flamingo chicks hatch at Martin Mere
Staff and volunteers at WWT Martin Mere are celebrating after 2 Greater Flamingo chicks hatched at the centre this week.
Staff and volunteers at WWT Martin Mere are celebrating after 2 Greater Flamingo chicks hatched at the centre this week. Flamingos are a firm favourite with staff and visitors, often displaying their courtship routines and getting up close to visitors, so the new arrivals are going to be a big hit.
The new chicks can be seen sitting on the impressive nests built by their parents. Unlike their pink parents, Greater Flamingo chicks are actually grey when they hatch and won’t get their pink feathers until they’re around two to four years old.
Aviculture and Captive Animal Manager Steve Nasir said "We're thrilled to see the safe arrival of two Greater Flamingo chicks. It’s a tremendous achievement by all who help to look after our flamingo flock and ends the breeding season on a high note. Staff, volunteers and visitors can watch these lovely new arrivals grow over the summer so it’s definitely something to look forward to.”
Martin Mere is home to around 60 adult Greater Flamingos and it’s exciting to see the flock grow in size.There are another 17 eggs on nests at the centre so staff and visitors will be eagerly watching over the next few weeks to see how many more hatch.
Visitors are invited to come and see the adorable chicks for themselves this June. As well as the new arrivals, the centre’s on-site duckling nursery is open during weekends between 11am-1pm - there are plenty of ducklings and chicks to see. The centre’s brand new Pond Zone with pond dipping facilities is also open during weekends, giving visitors the opportunity to uncover a whole world of incredible underwater life.
Plan your visit to the centre today.
