Abandoned flamingo chicks rescued from drought
The Kamfers Dam, near Kimberley, in South Africa’s Northern Cape, is one of the most important breeding sites for the lesser flamingo species. But things have not been going according to plan this year.
Drought in South Africa has contributed to low water levels, causing flamingo parents to abandon nests containing thousands of chicks, putting their lives at risk.
They've since been picked up by rehabilitation centres, and are getting used to their new surroundings.
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) took in about 500 birds at the end of January.
The sanctuary has been posting videos of their progress on Facebook, including one showing how the chicks reacted to some donated stuffed toys that resembled adult flamingos.
The videos have become viral hits, racking up thousands of views and comments.
An update from SANCCOB on February 10 said the chicks were “growing bigger each day,” and that some had started to drink by themselves.
