How many chicks?
The greater flamingo colony is as productive as ever, and visitors negotiating around the building work for the new flamingo exhibit in this part of the grounds will be rewarded with the sight of numerous cute, grey bundles scurrying around the feet of protective adults. The grey fluff does not last for long and flamingo chicks grow quickly, with first "proper" feathers being complete by around 50 days old. The greater flamingo is one of the more prolific breeders in captivity and the Slimbridge flock produces a crop of new arrivals annually. Phil, with help from several other avics, manages the birds with military precision to ensure that conditions are spot-on for breeding to occur; and his just rewards for such hard work and dedication are the current super-cute youngsters that are tottering around the nest island. These chicks will develop into their complete adult white/pink plumage in three to four years time, but in the mean time can still be enjoyed in their natal down complete with squidgy pink legs.
