Get to know the Caribbean Flamingos at WWT Llanelli

A vibrant splash of pink in the heart of Carmarthenshire – meet our Caribbean flamingos!

You’ll likely hear our flamboyant flock before you see them. With their bright coral plumage and unmistakable honking calls, the Caribbean Flamingos at Llanelli Wetland Centre are a must-see for bird lovers and families alike.

These highly social birds are full of personality. Watch as they:

• Flag their heads in synchronised displays
• Joust and preen to maintain their social rank
• Form lifelong bonds with best friends
• Communicate constantly with a range of vocalisations

Their complex social lives and striking appearance make them one of the most fascinating species in our wetland collection.

Plan your visit to see the Caribbean Flamingos up close and learn how wetland conservation helps protect their natural habitats.

Flamingo Talk: Discover the secrets of our fabulous flock

Step into the vibrant world of Caribbean Flamingos this summer at WWT Llanelli!

With over 70 extravagant birds in our flock, this daily talk is your chance to uncover the fascinating lives behind the feathers.

From quirky dance moves and complex social circles to chick-rearing secrets and grooming rituals, our expert guides will reveal the untold stories of these wetland wonders. You’ll even get to see a real flamingo egg and learn about our oldest residents - some over 40 years old!

Whether you're a bird enthusiast, a curious explorer, or just here for the pink vibes, this is a must-see experience for all ages. Plus, we’ll have a scope set up so you can get an up-close view of the action.

Don’t miss the flamingo gossip of the season, join us daily at 3 pm!

Included in the entrance ticket price, which is free for WWT members.

Dates: Saturday 19 July to Monday 1 September 2025 (every day of the summer holidays)

Time: 3 pm daily

Place: Flamingo House

Cost: Included in the entrance ticket price, or free for WWT members.

Caribbean Flamingo Facts

• Caribbean flamingos are arguably the pinkest flamingos in the world.
• They're surprisingly brainy. Flamingos have complex social lives, with best friends, enemies and intricate social hierarchies.
• Flamingos are incredible dancers, performing synchronised group dances and courtship rituals.
• Flamingo chicks are born grey. It takes up to 3 years for chicks to develop their iconic pink colouring from their diet.
• These birds only lay one egg per year and both parents take turns to incubate the egg.
• Flamingo milk, anyone? Flamingo parents produce a special crop milk rich in fat and protein for their chicks.
• Some live to be very old birds! With proper care, Caribbean flamingos can live well into their 40s in captivity. The oldest known flamingo lived to the age of 83!
• They can be spotted in the UK... at WWT Llanelli!

How can I help flamingos?

Help WWT save, restore and create precious wetland habitats for species like flamingos by adopting your very own.

How accessible is the Flamingo talk?

The route to the Flamingo House is wheelchair, pushchair and mobility scooter accessible. It's a step-free route.

For any other accessibility needs, please do get in touch with us.

We have a group listening kit that works with hearing aids using a portable induction loop, and can also offer amplification for those without hearing aids. Please get in touch or speak to a member of the team on arrival if this is something you would find useful for the talk.

Flamingo FAQs

Do I need to book in advance for flamingo talks?

No booking is required – flamingo talks are included with your entry ticket price which is free for WWT members. Just head to the Flamingo House for a 3 pm start.

How long do flamingo talks last?

Talks usually last around 30 - 45 minutes, with time for questions.

Are flamingo talks available every day at WWT Llanelli?

Flamingo talks are offered every day this summer holiday (19 July to 1 September 2025) and during other school holidays and select weekends throughout the year. For the latest schedule, check our events page or ask at the welcome desk when you arrive.

Why are flamingos pink?

Flamingos get their pink colour from carotenoid pigments in their diet, which includes algae and small crustaceans found in wetlands.

What do Caribbean Flamingos eat?

They eat algae, small crustaceans, and other microscopic organisms. Their unique beaks help them filter food from the water. Here at WWT Llanelli, our flamingos enjoy a high-quality diet to keep them in great condition from beak to toe.

Are flamingos social animals?

Yes! Flamingos are highly social and live in large flocks. They communicate through honks, head-flagging, and synchronised movements.

How does WWT Llanelli help flamingo conservation?

We support wetland conservation projects that protect flamingo habitats globally, while also educating visitors about their importance. Flamingos depend on wetlands. They have been recorded as living in a variety of wetland habitat types, from freshwater to saltwater.

Our flamingos help us collect very useful information about their behaviour and breeding habits that can help scientists understand these iconic wetland birds better.

• In this section
  • Summer Pond Dipping
  • Canoe and Kayak Hire
  • Adventure play areas
  • Flamingos
  • Nature reserve
  • Wildlife Walks