SAFE: Andean Highland Flamingo

Join us in celebrating International Flamingo Day, brought to you by AZA’s SAFE Andean Highland Flamingo program.

International Flamingo Day is celebrated annually on April 26.

About Flamingos

There are six species of flamingo around the world –  Greater flamingos are native to Africa, as well as parts of Asia and the Middle East; Lesser flamingos are native to Africa; American flamingos are native to Central America and the northernmost countries of South America; and three flamingo species — the Andean, Chilean, and Puna (James’s) — are native to the Andean Highlands in South America. Click the maps below to learn more about where each species lives.

Learn more about the Andean Highland flamingos by taking our super NON-scientific personality quiz to see which flamingo best matches YOU!

Which Andean Highland Flamingo Are You?

Flamingo Conservation

The Andean Highland flamingo species live at high elevations of 15,000+ ft. in salty lakes called salars. Click on the video and comic below to learn more about research being done to protect these three flamingo species and their home from our partners at the SAFE: Andean Highlands Program. 

El glamoroso flamenco de surire Zoo Parquemet-español (1)

SAFE Andean Highland Flamingo supports the recovery and conservation of Andean, Chilean, and Puna (James’s) flamingos through research, public engagement, targeted training, community outreach, and education. AZA members work with Chilean partners to support activities outlined in the country’s Andean highland flamingo conservation plan, fill research gaps, and assist with the identification, prioritization, and designation of critical flamingo habitat in Chile’s northern Andean highlands.