The past year has seen a turnaround for the breeding of the Chilean flamingo colony at the Wildlife Park.
They hadn’t bred at the Park in Ballaugh since 2006, but over the past 12 months seven chicks have hatched.
Keepers had built an extended beach area on their island and the flamingos seemed to approve, starting to build nests almost straight away.
Breeding Success
The Wildlife Park said: “Luckily the nesting area is on the side of the island that is easily visible from the main drive, allowing visitors a good view of the volcano-shaped nests and the fluffy grey chicks. Not to mention perfect photo opportunities!
“When flamingos choose a mate – often attracted to one another by the best dance moves – they usually stick with the same partner year after year.
“Raising the chicks after the first few weeks is very much the responsibility of the whole colony however, and it is lovely to see how all the adults gather round to protect the little ones.
“Chicks grow extremely quickly but it will be up to three years before they develop their iconic pink plumage, and around six years before they are mature enough to breed.”
With the recent hatches, the number in the colony at the park has now reached 25.
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