(WXYZ) — The Detroit Zoological Society joined other wildlife conservation organizations worldwide to save more than 1,800 flamingo chicks in their nesting grounds in South Africa.
They were abandoned near Kimberly in the Northern Cape.
With a season of minor rain and extremely high temperatures, Kamfers Dam, where flamingos breed, dried up rapidly, causing the flamingo eggs and hatchlings to be deserted by their parents due to lack of food.
“The chicks are growing and displaying natural instincts such as wading, foraging, bathing and preening,” said DZS Dr. Sarah Woodhouse. “They require endless emotional and physical effort, but the cuteness factor is a ten out of ten.”
“These vulnerable flamingo chicks would have died if left in the wild,” said Scott Carter, DZS chief life sciences officer. “The work of DZS animal care staff and others, with their knowledge and experience with flamingos, is invaluable to this rescue. This effort underscores the importance of zoos and aquariums and the work they do to save species around the world.”
