Our 43 Chilean flamingos are now back outside at Banham Zoo, and it has been a thoroughly welcome return for both the birds and our team.
With bird flu restrictions in Norfolk now lifted, Greg James, the flamingo who previously caught the attention of the real Greg James (name inspired) with a mention on Radio 1 last year and the rest of the flock have made their way back into their outdoor habitat and have been gradually settling in.
The first few moments were a mixture of curiosity and excitement, with some gentle exploration quickly giving way to a few unmistakable bursts of energy, as the flock enjoyed a run of “zoomies” across the habitat.
A particular highlight has been their return to the outside pond for the first time this year. Initially, there were a few cautious steps at the water’s edge, followed by tentative toe-dipping. It was not long, however, before confidence grew and the group began wading more freely, resuming behaviours that are so important to their daily routine.
Over the past months, the flock had been housed under cover as a precaution against avian influenza (bird flu), a contagious viral disease that affects birds, particularly waterfowl, and can be spread through contact with infected wild birds or contaminated environments. Keeping our flamingos protected under cover was an important step in safeguarding their health and preventing any potential spread.
Sophie Imhof, Team Leader of Birds at Banham Zoo, said,
‘It’s been such a joy to see the flamingos back where they belong! Watching them head outside again, full of curiosity, a few dramatic pauses and then those brilliant bursts of energy has been a real highlight for the team.
Their return to the pond has been especially lovely, with plenty of splashing, strutting, and settling back into their natural rhythm together. With some pairs already showing bonding behaviours, it makes us very excited for the breeding season ahead.
We’re delighted that visitors can once again enjoy these iconic birds out in the open.
There’s a real sense of spring in the air at Banham Zoo!’
It has been a pleasure for our team to watch all 43 birds rediscover their outdoor space, stretching, feeding, and settling back into life as a flock.
Visitors can once again enjoy seeing them outside, making full use of their habitat and soaking up the spring scenery at Banham Zoo.