PREVIEW

Four cute and fluffy flamingo chicks have hatched at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
Two of the birds hatched on July 26, one on July 28, and the youngest on August 7.
All four chicks, whose genders are yet to be determined, are currently under the expert care of the Zoo’s animal care staff and are being housed behind the scenes, but guests will be able to see them soon.
“We are thrilled to welcome more American flamingos to our family of aquatic birds,” said Cody Hickman, associate director of avian care. “Our goal is to continue breeding and hatching chicks to establish a large flock, mirroring their social groups in the wild.”
Beginning August 19, the young birds can be seen daily through the Penguin Encounter room window from 12:30 to 1 p.m., where they will engage in exercise and water play, offering a unique glimpse into their early development.
Then, in early September, staff will be taking the birds outdoors on the South Mall for their daily sessions, also from 12:30 to 1 p.m. These activities are important for the chicks to build the strength and confidence needed to join the larger flock. When the chicks are about 2 months old, zoogoers will be able to see them daily at The Swamp along with the older flamingos who arrived at the Zoo in 2023.
Zoo guests can expect to see downy, gray-feathered chicks with their distinctive pink feathers coming in gradually as they mature. Native to the Caribbean Islands, South America’s northern coastline, and the southeastern United States, flamingos are social birds typically living in large flocks. Fully grown by age 2, they can reach up to 5 feet tall with a similar-length wingspan.
For those eager to interact with the year-old flamingos, the Flamingo Feeding Adventure is available at The Swamp on select days and times through America’s Labor Day.