FLAMINGOS RETURN TO LOVE LAGOON JUST IN TIME FOR BREEDING SEASON
The iconic flock are back where they belong – ready to wow half-term visitors!
Paignton Zoo’s stunning Chilean flamingo flock have made a spectacular return to their lagoon home after being cared for behind-the-scenes since February due to bird flu concerns. The magnificent pink birds were carefully moved back to their waterfront paradise on Friday morning – just in time for breeding season and the upcoming May half-term holiday rush.
Lisa Ward, Birds Team Leader at Paignton Zoo, commented:
“The moment we released the first group of flamingos back into the lagoon, you could just feel the excitement in the air – both from our team and the birds themselves! Having them back at the entrance really brings the zoo to life again.”
The feathered favourites had been housed indoors for nearly three months as a safety measure following bird flu concerns in the area. But after Thursday’s lifting of the UK-wide avian influenza prevention zone, zoo staff wasted no time getting the birds back to their rightful home.
The carefully managed operation began at 9:45am on Friday, as dedicated keepers conducted thorough health checks on each bird before releasing them in small groups. The massive mission required additional zoo staff volunteering to help move the 61-strong flock, including last year’s fluffy chicks, now growing into stunning young flamingos.
Among the returning celebrities are Curtis and Arthur, the same-sex couple who ‘adopted’ an egg and are now raising their chick together – a story that has generated significant public interest. The pair were named by the public during last year’s ‘Love Lagoon’ campaign, which highlighted the zoo’s flamingo breeding programme.
Despite the enormous challenges of managing bird flu restrictions, the zoo’s organised bird team made sure to prepare the island for the flamingos’ return. As the flamingos settle back into lagoon life, keepers will monitor their behaviour and, when breeding signals appear positive, step in as needed to help create the perfect nesting conditions.
Lisa continued:
“After months of bird flu worries and keeping them safe indoors, there’s nothing more rewarding than watching them explore it again. We’ve already dug over the sand on their island to loosen the compacted soil so that when the time is right, we can help create the mud pies needed for nesting. Fingers crossed for another successful breeding season!”
With the birds back and breeding season in full swing, there’s never been a better time to visit. Book your tickets now for the chance to see adorable flamingo families, including Curtis and Arthur with their little one, and the dedicated keepers who make it all happen.
Adopt a Flamingo
Flamingos are a firm favourite with exotic bird lovers. They are flamboyant, elegant, and always dressed to impress. But beyond their stunning appearance, flamingos are fascinating, social birds that play an important role in their ecosystems.
Flamingos aren’t just pretty in pink. They’re incredibly resilient birds that have adapted to live in some of the harshest wetland environments on Earth. You’ll usually find them in large flocks near salty lakes and lagoons. It is their unique diet that gives them their signature colour.
Sadly, many flamingo habitats are under threat from pollution, climate change, and human development. They are currently classified as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
When you adopt a flamingo, you’re directly supporting the care of these long-legged birds. You are contributing to vital conservation work at Paignton Zoo and beyond.
Whether you want to adopt a flamingo for yourself or as a gift for someone special, you’ll be helping protect these beautiful birds. You’ll also receive a bundle of goodies to say thank you!