Each afternoon the 'Flamingo Experience' at the Palm Beach Zoo offers patrons an intimate encounter. A maxim of eight guests are escorted into a private feeding area where the Chilean Flamingos come out to meet their fans. You aren't allowed to touch them, but they defiantly are allowed to touch you with their nares.
April Winters, Zoo Keeper level three says, "Since they don't have hands they check out everything with their mouths." A flamingo named Catalina decided my right arm needed inspection which felt like my vibrating Gillette razor. At first, I was nervous about what was happening, but April wisely changed my perception by saying, "It feels good, right?"
Next, was the flamingo parade through the zoo! Everyone lined up to watch the flamingos take their short journey. At times they pumped their chests out and ruffled their feathers. I asked Palm Beach Zoo volunteer Gerry Fitzpatrick why they did that, "They want you to tell them how pretty they are." I started to shout, 'You're pretty! You're pretty!" Honestly, the flamingos seemed to appreciate the cat bird calls.
Last, came snack time. Flamingo meal is on the menu and the more mature birds bully their way to the front of the line. There is literally a pecking order, the more dominant birds will push the others out of the way.
One thing, you gotta sign up before you come to the zoo.
The Deets
When: 12:15 p.m., daily
Duration: 20-45 minutes
Age Requirements: Adults and children who are at least 5 years old, one adult per child required.
Price: $30 per person for members, $35 for non-members
Max 6 people per experience, mixed parties.
(Soo admission not included)
