Denver Zoo Helping Save 1,800 Flamingo Chicks in South Africa

Denver Zoo has joined an international rescue and rehabilitation effort of more than 1,800 lesser flamingo chicks and eggs in Kimberley, South Africa. The chicks and eggs were discovered abandoned at Kamfers Dam in January after severe drought hit the area, forcing the adult flamingos to leave in search of food and water. Local conservation agencies swooped in to help the vulnerable birds. The chicks and unhatched eggs were sent to animal hospitals and rescue centers throughout the country.

With so many birds to care for, volunteers from zoos around the world flocked to South Africa to help nurse the flamingos back to health. Denver Zoo is one of a group of AZA-accredited zoos that has committed resources and multiple animal care experts to assist in the effort. Veterinary Technician Eva Smoot spent three weeks in Pretoria, where she worked with more than 50 chicks that were suffering from serious health problems, including broken legs, lesions and malnutrition. Bird Keeper Anton Morrison also spent two weeks in Pretoria and returned last weekend, and Bird Curator Katie Vyas will head there in May. Organizers hope to have the birds rehabilitated and released back into their flock in May.