American Flamingo

There are six flamingos that call the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo home. In 2020, they arrived in California from where they were hatched at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas. Keep reading to learn about their history and species!

Flamingo Fun Facts

There is so much to learn about these beautiful birds. Here are a few fast facts about flamingos:

• Flamingos are monogamous and work as pairs to take care of one large egg. Their nests are made of mud. 
• Flamingos stand on one leg to conserve energy and warmth. They can even sleep on one leg!
• Flamingos are extremely social birds and can have flocks of thousands. 
• Flamingos can fly, and often do so to find a new water source or migrate to warmer climates in the summer. 
• Flamingo parents produce a "milk" from their throats to feed their young. This is called crop milk and it's full of essential nutrients.
• Flamingos get their pink color from the food they eat.

Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo Flamingos 

			Sal (#36) This flamingo was hatched on June 27th, 2019. His mom was hatched in 1970 and his dad was hatched in 1995. He grew up with Flamingo #36, so they might think of themselves as brothers. Why was he named Sal? Sal means salt in Spanish, which is a language spoken in many natural American Flamingo habitats. Flamingos also have a useful adaptation in their beak which allows them to drink salt water- salt glands in their beaks!
			Ruby (#19) This flamingo was hatched on June 23rd, 2018. Her mom hatched on June 10th, 2005, and her dad hatched on July 31st, 2014. She was the first flamingo to eat out of a cup here at the zoo! Why was she named Ruby? The scientific name of the American Flamingo is Phoenicopterus Ruber, and Ruby reflects the second part of the name. Plus, this flamingo is an absolute gem!
			Floreana (No Band) This flamingo was hatched on July 20th, 2019. Her mom hatched on May 20th, 2014, and her dad hatched in 2005. She was raised in a cohort with 7 other flamingos, one of which was flamingo #86. Why was she named Floreana? Floreana is the name of an island in the Galapagos where flamingos are found.
			Trinidad (#86) This flamingo hatched on July 28th, 2019 to a mother who hatched in 2007 and a father who hatched in 1995. He was raised with No Band in a cohort of 8. Why was he named Trinidad? Trinidad is an island where flamingos can be found.
			Phoenix (#35) This flamingo was hatched on June 18th, 2019 to a mother who was hatched in 2000 and a father who was hatched in 1993. Before he arrived at the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo, he had a foot injury that required laser treatment. We're happy to say that he's made a full recovery! Why was he named Phoenix? Flamingos are part of the Phoenicopteridae family, and Phoenix reflects the first part of that name. He's also a resilient bird, and since he fully recovered from his foot injury, is like a phoenix rising from the ashes.
			Yogi (#08) This flamingo was hatched on July 31st, 2019. His mom hatched in November 1970 and his dad hatched in 2011. He was raised in a cohort with 3 other flamingos. Why was he named Yogi? It's pretty simple- he can stand on one leg! Flamingos stand on one leg to preserve energy and warmth.

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