Stone Zoo Gets Four Flamingo Chicks

[Editor's note: The following information is from a press statement issued by Stone Zoo.]

The staff at Stone Zoo recently announced the hatchings of four Caribbean flamingo chicks.

“Our visitors have been quite interested in these young chicks, which are being reared on exhibit by their parents. We hope to continue successfully breeding these birds to genetically diversify the colony while increasing our flock,” said Frederick Beall, Zoo New England General Curator.

Stone Zoo has had a highly successful Caribbean flamingo breeding colony for many years. The first breeding occurred in 1994, and it has continued every year except one with a total of 96 hatches. The ideal breeding conditions must include easy access to water as well as a muddy area.

Flamingos build their nests by mounding up piles of mud, which can measure up to two feet tall. A single egg is laid and is incubated by both parents. Both parents also rear the chick.

Caribbean flamingos have a richer scarlet/rosy plumage compared to that of the Chilean flamingo, which is exhibited at Franklin Park Zoo. The flock at Stone Zoo now numbers more than 38 birds plus four chicks, which range in age from one month to at least 42 years.