Fluffy flamingo chicks hatch at Martin Mere
WWT Martin Mere is celebrating another successful year for fluffy flamingo chicks with a group of chicks hatching in April and May.
The group of flamingo chicks are being taken care of and kept safe by the existing flock and our Living Collection team, with some now being around a month old.
Credit: Amy Ashley-Mather
Nick Brooks, Centre Manager at WWT Martin Mere, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome these flamingo chicks. It’s always a joy to see our flamingo family growing, especially knowing these proud parents were once chicks here themselves. Watching the little ones take their first wobbly steps is a real treat and we can’t wait to watch them grow”.
Greater flamingos are the largest and most widespread species of flamingo, inhabiting parts of Africa, southern Europe, the Middle East and Indian subcontinent.
Known for their striking pink plumage, the chicks are actually born with an adorable fluffy-grey down, developing the iconic colour over time from a diet rich in carotenoid pigments found in algae and crustaceans.
Interestingly, the chicks are also born with straight bills, which gradually curve and change colour as they mature.
Flamingos are also impressive parents. Both males and females participate in nest building, incubation, and feeding. “Crop milk”, which is fed to the chicks, is produced by both parents. And as the chicks grow, they join communal groups called crèches, which is essentially a day care for flamingo chicks.
For those wanting to get a closer look at the chicks, head towards the Greater Flamingo habitat which is just outside of the gift shop.
If you are not a WWT member, you can also enjoy 10% off your admission tickets when you book online in advance of your visit. Find out more.
