New Flamingo Habitat Opening at Denver Zoo

The Denver Zoo is set to open their brand new flamingo habitat on November 16. The habitat is taking over the former river otter habitat and contains multiple new design upgrades.

Located in the Latin America ecosystem section of the Denver Zoo, the flamingo habitat includes a spacious, circulated lake, indoor + outdoor spaces, a dedicated nesting area, and added space for flamingo encounters. The habitat is meant to emulate the hardy landscapes of the Andean highlands.

The habitat is home to 78 American and Chilean flamingos, including nine chicks who were welcomed into the zoo just this September. A report by Denver’s 9NEWS stated that five of the chicks were American flamingos and four were Chilean flamingos. 

Several of the fan-favorite flamingos at the exhibit are named after famous rockers, including Swift, Legend, Jonas, Denver, and Diamond.

In an informational post by the Denver Zoo about their flamingos, the difference between American and Chilean flamingos is explained: American flamingos are native to the coastal areas of the Caribbean including the Bahamas, Cuba, and the Yucatan Peninsula. American flamingos are distinguished by their brightly colored, pinkish-orange feathers. 

Meanwhile, Chilean flamingos are native to the Andean highlands of Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Brazil. Chilean flamingos are distinguished by their very light-colored feathers.

The Denver Zoo had been hosting several fundraising events since January 2022 to get the new habitat remodeled and opened, including their annual flamingo-themed benefit, the Flock Party. The 2023 Flock Party was a smashing success, attracting 2,000 guests and raising $450k for the zoo. The fundraiser included live music performances, specialty culinary creations, animal experiences, and live fashion illustrations. OFM was in attendance. 

The Denver Zoo will be hosting a special members only preview of the flamingo exhibit from November 11 through 15. Members can reserve their tickets now.

The public grand opening will be hosted on November 16 at 9am and tickets can be purchased through the Denver Zoo’s official website.

Photo courtesy of Denver Zoo