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Youngsters fly the nest.

The class of 2013 have moved out of home to give mum and dad some breathing space. This year's healthy batch of Caribbean flamingo juveniles now reside in the house with the Andean flamingos and Mr James. These older (wiser?) birds are a much more settled influence on the exuberance of youth and the Caribbean flamingos will see out the winter in these surroundings before being moved back to their own flock when they are pink and more adult-looking.

Spot the new housemates. Juvenile Caribbean flamingos settle in to their new home as they grow up in the relative peace and quiet of the Andean flamingo house. Aviculturists at Slimbridge move the youngsters around to give them the best possible start in life. You might say they are a little bit spoilt...
Spot the new housemates. Juvenile Caribbean flamingos settle in to their new home as they grow up in the relative peace and quiet of the Andean flamingo house. Aviculturists at Slimbridge move the youngsters around to give them the best possible start in life. You might say they are a little bit spoilt...

Don't worry though, these youngsters won't be missing their parents and will probably be glad of the company of the other flamingos in this house who, being a different species, are less likely to give them the cold shoulder. Being as part of a quiet, steady flock helps the chicks grow up into more "well-rounded" chicks overall. Let's call it finishing school for flamingos! You'll get a good idea of the different personality of the flamingo species by watching this mixed flock in action. Caribbean flamingos like to shout and fuss, whilst the Andeans are sedate and unflustered birds. Generally, a nice calming influence overall.

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