BIRDS OF A FEATHER Zoos and Aquariums Help Save Hundreds of Flamingos
medical care and even designing and building a specialized holding area for the rehabilitating birds.
In our last issue we shared how, with your help, we were able to assist with the globally-coordinated rescue of abandoned flamingos in South Africa.
After months of hard work by zoo and aquarium representatives and other dedicated animal rescuers, many of Now, more than 350 of these rescued birds have been returned to their these flamingos have returned home to start the rest of their lives back natural habitat! in their natural habitat. The birds These flamingos were among the thousands that were rescued in were “quarantined” upon arrival into January from a dried-out Kamfers Dam, an important breeding location Kimberley in May, where rescuers in South Africa’s Kimberly region, back in January. Since local rescuers placed bands on the birds to help were overwhelmed by the sudden influx of birds needing help, the identify them, performed physical chicks were transported to conservation centers around the country. evaluations and screened them for disease. Our own Curator of Birds & Mammals, Lauren Wilson, flew into South The birds were then released to rejoin Africa to assist with the care of the flamingos, including their feeding, their flock. In the days since they’ve first returned, rescuers on the ground report these birds are thriving! It’s because of people like YOU that we were able to make a difference for these flamingos. You can learn more about how your support of the Aquarium helps save wildlife in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico and beyond at texasstateaquarium.org
SUMMER 2019
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