Family-friendly wildlife attraction Birdland Park and Gardens in Bourton-on-the-Water has experienced a bumper year for flamingo births so far in 2024.
The park has seen a clutch of greater flamingo chicks hatched already this summer, with a high number of new nests and eggs suggesting the colony is heading for a potentially record-breaking 'baby boom'.
Experts say the boom is a good sign that the colony is healthy and is made even more special by the fact that some of the flamingos — which have an astonishing typical lifespan of 60 years in captivity — are breeding at the park for the first time.
Head keeper Alistair Keen said: 'It’s been a successful summer for new chicks so far and we’re delighted to see some birds breed for the very first time here.
'Breeding is a great indication the birds are happy and healthy and is also a really important part of our role as a wildlife collection as many of them are now at risk in the wild.'
Birdland Park and Gardens was first established in 1957 and was one of the first bird encounters to open in the UK.
Today, the nine-acre garden and woodland site in Bourton-on-the-Water is home to over 500 birds, ranging from birds of prey and parrots to cassowaries and cranes.
Flamingos, pelicans and waterfowl all live in its canopy-covered habitat along the River Windrush, with many more inhabiting over 50 aviaries — and it's also home to England’s only colony of breeding king penguins.
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