Chilean flamingos are a pale pinkish-orange in color.  They start out gray (see photo below), and then change to their pinkish color during the first two years of life.  Their color comes from their food, rich in beta carotene, and their color can change in vibrancy based on diet.

Eating that food is no easy chore for a flamingo.  They must hold their beak upside under water, taking water into their mouth.  A comb-like plate in their mouth then filters out the water, retaining the food.  That’s a lot of work for the bits and pieces that remain.

The new exhibit is located near the west entrance to the zoo, right behind Zoomazium.  It replicates the replicates the coastal salt marshes of Chile, home to these breed of flamingo.  A glass barrier allows visitors to see the birds up close and personal, and the entire area was designed with the small fry in mind.  There’s a place for adults to sit and watch the birds, and a place for children to play, discover, and blow off a little steam.  The life-sized nest and flamingo egg  has proven to be a big hit so far!

Currently there are 27 flamingos on site, but more are expected this summer.  Flamingos are very social creatures, and in the wild often live in flocks sized well into the thousands.  There won’t be that many here at the zoo, but it is hoped that the flock will eventually grow to around 40.

Location: North 50th & Fremont Avenue North

Dates & Time: Daily, 9:30 am – 6 pm (summer hours through September 30th)

Admission: $15 adults, $13 seniors, $10 children 3-12, free for children under 2.  If you’re going to go more than a couple times a year, consider an annual membership – you’ll come out way ahead.

Parking: Available onsite for $4.50, street parking also available.  Easily accessible by Metro.

Photo Credit: wikimedia

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Post from: The Seattle Traveler