By Lauren Beavis via SWNS
A same-sex flamingo couple has successfully hatched a chick.
Chilean flamingo pair Curtis and Arthur now have their own chick at Paignton Zoo in Devon – though it is not ‘known exactly ‘ how the pair acquired their new baby.
Pete Smallbones, Curator of Birds, said it is likely the baby was adopted by the couple.
He explained: “Regarding the same-sex parenting, we aren’t entirely sure how this has come about, although it is a known phenomenon in Chilean flamingos as well as other bird flocks.
“The most likely scenario is that the egg was abandoned by another couple, so this pair have ‘adopted’ it.”
Flamingo eggs hatch after a period of approximately 28 days, where they are incubated on mud pile nests by both parents.
The chicks, covered in grey, downy feathers, can appear quite different from their adult counterparts.
While there are currently only a handful of chicks on the island, there are still plenty of eggs incubating.
Chilean flamingos are native to South America, inhabiting brackish or alkaline shallow lakes across various countries.
Unfortunately, this species is declining in the wild due to a number of factors, including egg harvesting, disturbance by tourism, and habitat degradation due to mining.
The success of the breeding programme is a testament to Paignton Zoo’s commitment to the conservation of this Near Threatened species.
Pete added: “We are pleased at the success of this year’s breeding program so far.
“It’s a testament to the skill and hard work put in by the Bird Team and we are hopeful that we may see more eggs hatch over the coming days and weeks.”
