Flamingo chicks adapting well to temporary uShaka home
The birds were part of around 2 000 baby flamingos rescued at the Kamfers Dam outside Kimberley by the SPCA.
THE 250 lesser flamingo chicks in the care of uShaka Sea World have adapted well to their temporary home following their rescue by the Kimberly SPCA recently. The birds were part of around 2 000 baby flamingos rescued at the Kamfers Dam outside Kimberley by the SPCA..
The dam is recognised as one of the most important breeding sites of the lesser flamingo.
About 15 000 lesser flamingos nest at Kamfers Dam. However, due to a combination of issues, the dam is drying up and the chicks have been abandoned.
Read also: ‘Groot’ joy after penguin rescue from KZN beach
The chicks have been sent to suitable facilities around the country.
“Although they are scattered around the country, the chicks’ rehabilitation will be a collaborative effort as various organisations work together towards their recovery and release,” explained South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) vet, Francois Lampen.
“We’ve had a great response from volunteers offering their time to help feed and care for the flamingo chicks. They’ve adapted well to their temporary home. Saving them at this stage will not be easy, but if we can at least save a few we will be helping this species. At this stage plans for their further rehabilitation and release are yet to be made,” he said.
In other international news: Australia river agency pilloried amid mass fish deaths
The chicks are fed every three hours on a special diet comprising egg yolks, sardines, baby cereal and prawns.
For more from Northglen News follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram
