Dudley Zoo in the United Kingdom is home to two captivating species of flamingos: the American flamingo and the Chilean flamingo. These vibrant wading birds captivate visitors with their long legs, graceful necks, and striking pink plumage, making them a must-see attraction at this renowned zoo.
American Flamingos at Dudley Zoo
The American flamingos, also known as Caribbean flamingos, are the largest and brightest of all flamingo species. These tropical birds can reach heights of up to 145cm and weigh up to 3kg. With their distinctive long legs, backward-bending knees, and elegant curved necks, the American flamingos at Dudley Zoo are a true sight to behold.
These flamingos have a lifespan of up to 50 years in the wild and are currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, they face threats such as habitat loss and human disturbance. Visitors to Dudley Zoo can adopt an American flamingo through the zoo’s adoption program, which offers various packages with benefits like zoo admission tickets and personalized messages.
Chilean Flamingos at Dudley Zoo
Alongside the American flamingos, Dudley Zoo is also home to Chilean flamingos. These slightly smaller flamingos, with a height range of 80-145cm and a weight of 1.9-3kg, are native to South America, specifically from Chile to Argentina. They are known for their distinctive pink plumage and odd-shaped bills, which are adapted for their filter-feeding lifestyle.
Chilean flamingos are currently listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, with threats including human disturbance and habitat modification. Like the American flamingos, visitors can adopt a Chilean flamingo through Dudley Zoo’s adoption program.
Flamingo Escapes at Dudley Zoo
In April 2020, a flamingo from Dudley Zoo made headlines when it was spotted strolling down Castle Hill after escaping its enclosure. The bird, which was later identified as a Chilean flamingo, made its own way back into the zoo, and was found by keepers unharmed. This incident was widely shared on social media, with over 1,000 people on Facebook sharing the videos of the flamingo outside the zoo.
Adoption Packages and Prices
Dudley Zoo offers two adoption packages for flamingos: Gold and Silver. The Gold adoption package includes a zoo admission ticket and a personalized message displayed outside the adopted animal’s enclosure, while the Silver adoption package includes an adoption certificate, a zoo admission ticket, and various zoo treats. The cost for the Gold adoption package is £55.00, and the cost for the Silver adoption package is £41.50.
Visiting Dudley Zoo
Dudley Zoo is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Admission prices are as follows:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | £17.50 |
| Children (3-15 years) | £13.50 |
| Seniors (60 years and over) | £15.50 |
| Family (2 adults and 2 children) | £55.00 |
Whether you’re a flamingo enthusiast or simply looking for a captivating day out, Dudley Zoo’s American and Chilean flamingos are sure to leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness these vibrant and graceful birds up close during your visit.
References:
- Dudley Zoo and Castle: Flamingo (American) – https://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/animal/flamingo/
- Dudley Zoo and Castle: Flamingo (Chilean) – https://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/animal/flamingo-chilean/
- Dudley Zoo and Castle: Pinky the Flamingo – https://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/product/pinky-the-flamingo/
- Tripadvisor: Flamingos – Picture of Dudley Zoo and Castle – https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g187065-d214046-i63587994-Dudley_Zoo_and_Castle-Dudley_West_Midlands_England.html
- Express and Star: Flamingo filmed strolling down road after escaping Dudley Zoo – https://www.expressandstar.com/entertainment/attractions/2020/04/15/flamingo-filmed-strolling-down-road-after-escaping-dudley-zoo/