Montgomery Zoo Staff’s Dedication Leads to First Caribbean Flamingo Chicks in Years

Information courtesy of Montgomery Zoo

Photo credit courtesy: Montgomery Zoo

MONTGOMERY ZOO (Montgomery, AL): The Montgomery Zoo is thrilled to announce the hatching of four Caribbean flamingo chicks. This is the first successful hatching of Caribbean Flamingos at the Montgomery Zoo thanks to the unwavering commitment, creativity, and hard work of the dedicated animal care staff.

The chicks, Kisba (pronounced 'KISS-bah'), Uyuni (pronounced ‘oo-YOO-nee’), Puddles, and Pippi hatched on June 4, June 7, June 24, and July 7 respectively. Their arrival marks a major achievement for the team who led a months-long effort to create the ideal conditions for flamingo nesting. It is a complex and delicate process that required daily, hands-on care.

After extensive research, the animal care team began transforming the flamingo aviary to support natural breeding behaviors in early April. They constructed a mud “wallow” with hand-built retaining walls that required daily maintenance to sustain the muddy structure needed for proper flamingo nesting. By May 7, their efforts paid off: the first eggs were discovered, and by season’s peak, nine nests had been established.

“It was a ton of work. Every day we were out there building up the mud wallow, hosing it down, and just hoping the flamingos would go for it. Some days it felt like we were just covered in mud for nothing. But now, seeing those little chicks wobbling around… it’s amazing. Totally worth seeing our guests enjoy them as much as we do.” says Mesha Jones, head keeper over flamingos.

Caribbean flamingos typically lay eggs from May through November, but the process is heavily dependent on environmental triggers like rainfall and food availability. The zoo has not had a successful flamingo hatch in over 20 years, making this season’s success especially meaningful.

Each of the four chicks has their own unique story:

Kisba, hatched June 4, was the first to arrive. The name means “achievement” in Maltese, a perfect tribute to the dedication that led to this moment. Kisba taught us so much about flamingo chicks and now walks proudly among the adults, squeaking with excitement and showing off what the team calls “Big Flamingo Energy.”

Uyuni, named after Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat located in Bolivia and a prominent flamingo breeding site, hatched on June 7. Uyuni was moved from the aviary to the zoo’s veterinary clinic on June 9 after sustaining a scrape to the head. Though the cause is unknown, Uyuni is receiving the necessary care and has been recovering quickly. The plan is for the chick to return to the flock once fully weaned and cleared by our veterinary staff.

Puddles hatched on June 24. As an egg, it was repeatedly pushed from its nest by parents so animal care staff

stepped in and moved it into an incubator for safety. After hatching, the chick returned to the aviary and is thriving under “adoptive” flamingo parents. Its name is a playful nod to its muddy beginnings.

Pippi, named after the pipping process that happens while hatching, was the last viable egg to hatch. After being moved to the incubator for safe keeping, it started pipping and was moved back to the nest with mom and dad. After the full 36 hours the hatching process takes, Keeper Summer came in on July 8 to see our newest chick and aptly named it Pippi.

While not all of the eggs laid were viable, which is natural during flamingo breeding, the successful hatching of four healthy chicks is a testament to the zoo staff’s incredible dedication.

Visitors to the Montgomery Zoo can currently see Kisba, Puddles, and Pippi exploring the aviary. The goal is for Uyuni to rejoin the flock as soon as possible.

The Montgomery Zoo previously had successful Chilean Flamingo chicks hatch over 20 years ago.

The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum is a 42-acre zoological facility located minutes from the heart of historic, downtown Montgomery. The Montgomery Zoo features a variety of exotic animals native to Africa, Asia, Australia, North America, and South America. A trademark addition of the zoo is the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, housing the one of the Southeast’s largest collections of preserved North American wildlife, artifacts, and fossils. The Montgomery Zoo is a department of the City of Montgomery.

Zoo operating hours:  9:30 am – 4:30 pm with last admission ticket being sold at 3:30 pm.