The Philadelphia Zoo is tickled pink about its latest addition.
This Saturday, America’s first zoo will host the grand opening of Flamingo Cove, a new outdoor walkthrough aviary featuring one of the Zoo’s most elegant and popular beauties: the flamingo.
Located next to McNeil Avian Center, the Flamingo Cove habitat is the latest in the Zoo’s long line of sustainable repurposing practices. Originally the 1927 aviary, the habitat has been updated to include a large pool for the birds to enjoy where they can both wade and swim, dedicated nesting islands to promote future breeding, newly renovated indoor spaces for the animals, and plenty of vibrant vegetation for the enjoyment of both these stunning tropical birds and guests.
What’s more, the Zoo is doubling its number of flamingo residents, welcoming an additional 14 African greater flamingos to its group of Caribbean flamingos. The two can be easily distinguished by their level of “pinkness,” as the African greater flamingos are a bit more on the pale side compared to their Caribbean cousins. This marks the first time in nearly 50 years that the Zoo will host African greater flamingos.
To celebrate the arrival of these new tenants and the opening of Flamingo Cove, guests can visit the nearby Shamba yard for a pink lemonade or the Backyard Beer Garden for an “adult” version. Guests can also enjoy a new weekly event, Pink Friday — taking place every Friday in June — where visitors can enjoy a special flamingo-inspired cocktail at the Zoo’s Summer Skip-Day Friday all-day happy hour (noon to 5 p.m.)
“We’re thrilled to offer our guests a new opportunity to get up close to see and hear why a group of flamingos is called a flamboyance. Experiences like these get people excited about the beauty and wonder of the natural world and create memories that last a lifetime,” said President and CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “As we reimagine our campus, we want to excite people to support wildlife in ways that are meaningful to them.”
Flamingo Cove is free of charge with Zoo admission or membership and open to all guests beginning Saturday, June 14. For more information, visit philadelphiazoo.org.
