To protect the health of our animals, Como Zoo’s Bird Yard—home to our flamingos —will remain closed for the foreseeable future due to ongoing concerns about the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which has been detected in Minnesota and surrounding states. We will reassess the situation this summer and reopen if conditions allow.
Species: Phoenicopterus chilensis (Chilean)
Geographic Range: Africa, Asia, North America, Central America, South America, Europe
Size: 3 to 6 feet tall, 3.5 to 5 foot wingspan
Lifespan: 20-30 years
Conservation status: Near threatened (Chilean)
Como’s Flamingos
Find them in the Bird Yard (currently not on display because of the avian flu)
Fun Facts
- The flamingo’s pink color comes from the food it eats, including small aquatic insects and crustaceans.
- Flamingos can live from 20-30 years in the wild, and even longer in captivity.
- Long legs and necks allow flamingos to feed in deeper water than other wading birds.
- Flamingos are quite comfortable resting while standing on only one leg.
