Historic First: Flamingo Chick Born at Saigon Zoo After 20 Years
After nearly two decades of waiting, Saigon Zoo has achieved a remarkable milestone: the first flamingo chick has been born and successfully raised in a natural setting by its parents. This historic moment marks the first successful breeding of flamingos at the facility since the birds were originally imported from abroad.
A Long Journey to Success
The flamingo program at Saigon Zoo began before 2006, when the facility received 9 flamingos imported from a zoo in South Africa. Initially, these birds were housed in a small, inadequate area within the zoo's old section, with unsuitable environmental conditions that prevented any breeding activity. According to zoo officials, flamingos naturally require large flocks and environments similar to their wild habitats to stimulate reproductive behavior. With too few birds in cramped quarters, breeding was impossible.
To address these challenges, the zoo undertook significant improvements. In 2010, a new flamingo enclosure was constructed and the original 9 birds were relocated to a central location within the zoo. This expansion was followed by another major development in 2017, when the facility imported 21 additional flamingos from a zoo in the Netherlands, bringing the adult population to 30 birds.
Creating a Natural Environment
Beyond increasing the flock size, zoo staff implemented sophisticated techniques to recreate natural conditions that would encourage breeding. These efforts included:
- Using mirrors to create the impression of a larger flock
- Playing recordings of flamingo mating calls during breeding season every day
- Creating artificial nests
- Providing enhanced nutrition to maintain the birds' distinctive pink coloration
- Adjusting feeding locations seasonally to simulate natural migration patterns
The Successful Breeding Season
During the 2025 breeding season, these efforts finally paid off. The flamingo flock produced 5 nests with 5 eggs. While two eggs had no embryos and two others had to be moved to artificial incubators, one egg successfully hatched naturally. This healthy chick was then naturally incubated and raised entirely by its parents without any human intervention—a first for the facility.
Currently, the one-month-old flamingo chick continues to be cared for by both parents in the zoo's main flamingo area. The total flamingo population at Saigon Zoo now stands at 31 birds, with this newborn representing the first generation born in captivity at the facility.
About the Species
Flamingos are migratory birds naturally found in wetland areas with muddy terrain throughout the Americas. They live in large flocks and breed seasonally. Notably, each pair produces only a single egg per breeding season. The flamingos at Saigon Zoo include both large flamingos and Chilean flamingos, species known for their striking pink plumage and unique feeding behaviors.
