Zoo Miami’s flock of Caribbean flamingos were rounded up on their habitat so that they could each receive their annual wellness exams.

The Animal Health team set up a mobile clinic alongside a specially constructed corral area adjacent to the habitat and one by one, each flamingo was brought in to be checked by the Zoo Miami Animal Science and Animal Health teams.

Examinations included getting individual weights, collecting blood samples, and checking the overall body condition with special attention to the feet which can be susceptible to certain issues. In addition, each flamingo was vaccinated against West Nile virus.

Though the majority of the flock appeared to be in good health and were successfully returned to their habitat, there were 4 individuals that were initially separated for several issues. One was limping from advanced arthritis and another was showing signs of some minor respiratory irregularities. Both of those issues have since resolved themselves and those individuals have been successfully returned to the flock. A large cloacal mass was discovered in another individual and that bird is presently in the Zoo Animal Hospital awaiting the results of a biopsy taken of the mass to determine what, if any further treatment may be necessary. Finally, a fourth individual suffered a torn ligament that needed to be surgically repaired and that individual is presently recovering in the zoo hospital.

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