MIAMI (WFLA) — Zoo Miami staff had their hands full on Thursday rounding up a flamboyance of 37 flamingos for their annual check-ups.
They herded the colorful birds into a corral, where veterinarians set up a mobile clinic to treat them. The zoo says it’s important to keep a close eye on their health, as wild animals are adept at hiding their health issues.
Flamingos found in Florida likely hitched a ride with Hurricane Idalia
Veterinarians weighed each bird, vaccinated them and checked them over, examining them from their beaks to their feet. According to Zoo Miami, flamingos’ feet are susceptible to a variety of medical issues.
A few birds received radiographs and ultrasound imaging, and aside from some common age-related issues, veterinarians gave the flamingos a clean bill of health and returned them to their habitat.
The Caribbean flamingo – also known as the American flamingo – is an iconic symbol of Florida. The state’s native population was seriously threatened by hunting in the 1800s, but the birds are starting to reappear in parts of the state. Zoo Miami hopes conservation efforts and habitat restoration will help flamingos thrive in Florida once again.