IN a rare rescue and occurrence for the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow), the team rescued a juvenile Lesser flamingo, scientifically known as Phoeniconaias minor, from Ballito recently. The bird was found in the ocean before subsequently being brought to Crow.

Also read: Hundreds support Crow’s Walk in the Wild

A rare visitor

While flamingos are no strangers to KZN, they are rarely found along beaches. Clint Halkett-Siddall, director at Crow, said that this rescue also presented Crow with the unique chance to care for this species.

“When the flamingo arrived at Crow, it showed signs of slight dehydration but was otherwise in good health. No significant injuries were identified,” he said.

Rehabilitation process

Since being at Crow, Halkett-Siddall said that the flamingo has been receiving specialised care and support.

“We have been closely monitoring its health, behaviours and progress throughout the rehabilitation process. As with all wildlife patients, the aim is to ensure that it is strong and healthy enough before any release is considered,” said Halkett-Siddall.

Fun facts about lesser flamingo

• Flamingo is derived from the Portuguese word for “red goose”, which is reference to their flying formation and the noise they make.
• This breed of flamingos are the most numerous and stay in the biggest flock. Some flocks are known to contain up to one million lesser flamingos
• Both the male and female flamingo provide their young with a type of nourishment called crop milk.
• Flamingos date back to the Miocene epoch which is around 10 million years ago.

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