Flamin-goals! Lincoln Park Zoo introduces two adorable Chilean baby flamingos

In exciting news for animal enthusiasts, Lincoln Park Zoo has announced the birth of two Chilean flamingo chicks that were born this summer. The chicks, hatched on Thursday, August 22 and Thursday, August 29, are healthy and thriving under the careful watch of the zoo's Animal Care and veterinary teams. Their sex is yet to be determined, but early signs are promising as the Lincoln Park Zoo community celebrates their additions.

According to a press release by the zoo, the birth of these flamingo chicks is part of the Chilean Flamingo Species Survival Plan (SSP), organized by zoos and aquariums to sustain healthy populations of this near-threatened species. The chicks are currently being cared for by foster parents, a standard practice in Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institutions that optimize their chances for survival. 

Nicole Finch-Mason, the Hope B. McCormick curator of birds, expressed her excitement, stating, "We’re excited to share that the chicks are healthy, and their foster parents are doing a great job raising the newborns."

Their journey to becoming the iconic pink-plumed birds the zoo is known for will take about two years. Currently, they have a gray-white appearance, and their displays will remain behind the scenes until they grow stronger.

Flamingo chicks’ development and habits

According to the Lincoln Park Zoo, the chicks will gradually start consuming food on their own as they develop. However, presently they are mainly fed a bright red "milk" produced from their parents' crop glands. This unique nourishment, colored by the pigment canthaxanthin, is critical during their early months. They are expected to leave their nests and start joining the other flamingos at the zoo's Flamingo Lagoon once they are 65 to 70 days old.

Chilean flamingos, known for their resilience in extreme conditions, are native to the Andes and other South American regions. While they are classified as Near Threatened due to challenges like habitat loss and egg hunting, efforts like those at Lincoln Park Zoo provide a comprehensive approach to conservation and education.

For those eager to support these conservation efforts, the zoo offers a flamingo ADOPT package. More information is available on the zoo's website. The Lincoln Park Zoo, a cherished Chicago landmark, remains open daily, continuing its mission of education and conservation.