ZOONOOZ August 2015

PHOTO BY SDZG
After the bird’s checkup, it happily
spreads its wings and returns to its
flamboyant flock.
PHOTO BY SDZG
6 and 11 pounds) and gets a West Nile virus
vaccination. A blood sample is collected and
a physical exam is conducted, which includes
inspecting the bird’s beak, legs, toes, wings,
feathers, eyes, and ears. The process is thorough,
since the birds are only handled once
a year. Zoo veterinarian Meg Sutherland-
Smith, D.V.M., explained, “The information
and experience gained by getting our hands
on the flock once a year helps us manage any
medical conditions that the birds may develop
throughout the year.”
Amelia Suarez holds the flamingo on the scale while Jessica Theule notes the weight.
Team Roundup
Flamingo Lagoon was designed with this
health-care process in mind. Five keepers
form a line, gently herding the birds toward
the holding area. As the barricades approach,
other bird species (ducks, geese, and
crested screamers) that may have been included
in the group dart out of the way past
the keepers. The flamingos are corralled
past cushioned barriers in the deep end of
the lagoon, while one spotter is stationed on
the bridge to observe the birds for signs of
fatigue. If any are noted, that bird goes to
the front of the line.
A few birds at a time are funneled into
a smaller area to be calmly caught by three
catchers and then handed off to a handler,
who holds the bird throughout the process
of visiting each health station. Amy explained
that the birds are held “like a football
under the arm,” with the head and neck
supported by the keeper’s other hand. The
legs are folded underneath the bird. “They
are pretty docile while we’re holding them,”
she said, “but they can grab your hair or
nose on occasion.”
Once a bird is secured, it is taken to various
stations on the lagoon shore. The bird’s
leg band number is matched with its information
card and its microchip is checked.
Each bird is weighed (most weigh between
Foot Map Journey
Each bird’s information card includes a
“foot map,” similar to a fingerprint for
humans, so animal care staff can monitor
each flamingo’s feet for any cracks or lesions
that may develop. Flamingos are long-lived
birds, with a possible lifespan of more than
50 years in zoos! Since they spend a great
deal of time with their feet submerged in
water, it’s important to monitor their webbing
and toes and those famous long legs.
Monitoring foot condition allows animal
care staff to decide if any changes need to be
made in the birds’ environment.
Since there are usually between 6 and 12
young birds that hatched the previous year,
they will need a follow-up booster vaccine
34 ZOONOOZ n AUGUST 2015