New aviary to spare flamingos indoor lockdowns
WWTEngland's most northerly flamboyance of flamingos will soon no longer have to endure bird flu-related lockdowns thanks to a new aviary.
During periods of high avian influenza circulation, the 55 Chilean flamingos at Washington Wetland Centre are usually forced to stay indoors.
But the site's manager Gill Pipes said the new aviary, which is due to be installed by mid-July, will mean the birds will be isolated from wild birds during these times while remaining outdoors.
"It means the only reason we might have to close them in, is if there are very high winds or particularly thick ice," she said.
She also said 13 of the flock had been at the site since 1986 and were "long-living" and "hardy" birds.
She said they experience temperatures between -40C (-40F) and 35C (95F) in the wild.
"So though they are gorgeous, pink and delicate looking - they're pretty tough birds physiologically," Pipes said.
As part of the work, new ramps have already been installed for the flamingos, giving them better access to their island.
Pipes said the enclosure will allow visitors to get slightly closer to the birds.
She also said she thought the birds would take some time to get used to the ramps but it had been the "exact opposite".
"They've been running up and down these ramps all day and absolutely loving it," she said.
