Seven flamingo chicks hatch at Longleat estate in breeding success

Warminster: A growing flamingo family has rounded off “a lot of success” in an estate’s breeding programme.

Seven Chilean flamingo chicks have hatched over the last couple days at Longleat, near Warminster, and staff there expect more to follow over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The birds are white in colour when they first hatch and their signature pink develops as they grow up.

Darren Beasley, head of animal operations, said: “It’s fantastic to have more new arrivals to round off the summer season. We’ve seen lots of success in our breeding programmes this year.”Longleat staff said seven flamingo chicks had been born so far this weekend and more were expected.

A spokesperson from Longleat said: “Mum Emma can be seen moving the cub between nest boxes, and lucky guests may even see the cub peeking outside as it becomes more curious.”A recent health check revealed the cub is a boy, and keepers are waiting to find the perfect name for him.”