American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) Fact Sheet: Managed Care

History with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

• 1932: First American Flamingos become part of the San Diego Zoo's collections
• 1957: First American Flamingo hatches at San Diego Zoo
• April 2003: San Diego Zoo opens its newly renovated Flamingo Lagoon

Most common species found in managed care

• America, Chilean, and Greater

Breeding

• Often will not engage in breeding displays if not part of a large enough colony.
• The color of plumage is an important breeding cue
  • Faded flamingos in managed care often do not breed.
  • Without the proper diet, flamingos lose their color and/or become ill. 
  • San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance provides a special diet to ensure proper health
• Breeding season more consistent in zoos than in the wild
  • Chicks usually hatch May to July

Flamingos are gathered for a health check-up at the San Diego Zoo.

© San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved.

Diamant (1997)
Elphick, et al. (2001)
Friedmann (2003)
Muller (1983)