Saving Grace: Noted Flamingo Researchers to Discuss Efforts to Protect Wild Flamingo Populations
The stately, long-legged flamingo (Phoenicopteridae) is among the most popular animals exhibited in zoos and aviaries around the world. The birds’ magnificent size, graceful movement and startling salmon coloring, together with the breath-taking sight created when hundreds of these birds flock together, have inspired a long-standing connection between humans and the flamingo.
The National Aviary is home to five of these beautiful birds, and on March 16 the Aviary is pleased to host noted flamingo researchers Dr. Felicity Arengo, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Research Associate at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), and Dr. Nancy Clum, Curator of Birds at the Bronx Zoo. Dr. Arengo and Dr. Clum will present a talk on international efforts to study and protect wild flamingo populations in South America and the Caribbean.
Dr. Arengo coordinates AMNH and WCS research efforts in South America with those of Grupo de Conservación de Flamencos Altoandinos (High Andes Flamingo Conservation Group), a multinational initiative of scientists and conservationists from the four countries where Andean, James’ and Chilean Flamingo species are found.
The WCS also works with the Bahamas National Trust and The Nature Conservancy to conduct research on flamingos in the Caribbean. The work in the Bahamas, which is home to the second largest concentration of Caribbean flamingos in the world, is coordinated by Dr. Clum.
Dr. Felicity Arengo and Dr. Nancy Clum will present their talk on flamingo research at 6 p.m. on March 16 in the National Aviary Atrium. The lecture is free but seating is limited. Call 412.323.7235, x249 to register.
The National Aviary inspires respect for nature through an appreciation of birds.
