Record flamingo baby boom
The soaring temperatures earlier this year led to a baby boom for the WWT Slimbridge flamingos.
The Chilean flamingo flock hatched 11 chicks which were parent-reared, with a further nine eggs sent to WWT Washington for hand-rearing.
This is the highest number at the Centre in at least 20 years.
Similarly the Caribbean flamingos had the strongest year since 2007 hatching and rearing 15 chicks.
As well as the favourable weather conditions, Slimbridge aviculturists have worked hard to create the perfect breeding conditions for the flamingos.
The avicultural team has been studying the flocks’ characteristics and has let the bird’s natural behaviours guide changes to their environment:
For example the Chilean flamingos indicated they liked wet ground to make their nests so the aviculturists managed to provide this, but also introduced sand to quickly dry the land when the chicks hatched to help ensure their safety.
They will be sending their positive findings back to the Flamingo Focus Group to help other captive flocks achieve their potential.
Phoebe Young, avicultural warden, said: “It is such a positive outcome for Slimbridge, we are delighted. It is the culmination of years of effort that we have finally hit upon how to create the perfect conditions for a successful breeding season.
“By observing the behaviours of the flocks they have shown us what they need and we have delivered on this.
“Looking to 2014 we are crossing our fingers that this positive breeding experience will encourage similar outcomes in future years and we can look forward to many more flamingo chicks.
“We are also looking forward to seeing this year’s youngsters mature into adults and to see how they interact with the rest of the flock.”
