Betty was a mother figure in the flock who fostered several baby chicks during her time at the zoo.
Sad news has come out of the National Zoo. Betty, a 67-year-old Caribbean flamingo, passed away on January 25.
Betty was the oldest living of that species in North America and had lived at the zoo since 1976. Caribbean flamingos, also known as American flamingos, typically only live about 26 years in captivity.
Betty was known to be in good health and zoo staff is conducting an investigation to find out her cause of death.
We are sad to share that Betty, our “matriarch” flamingo, was found deceased in her habitat Jan. 25. At 67 years old, she was the oldest Caribbean flamingo in the North American population. For 46 years, Betty served as an amazing animal ambassador.
— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) February 4, 2022
>> https://t.co/CHzotjRXiD.
Flamingos live in flocks numbering into the thousand and are frequently found in south Florida. They live around 40 years in the wild, so Betty was one of the rare exceptions, especially for a bird that was in captivity. Betty only had one chick of her own, but fostered several others. Keepers say she spent most of her time watching over the flock of 70 and served as a mentor to the young chicks.
Last fall, lions and tigers at the National Zoo contracted coronavirus and spent several months recovering. Several of the animals came down with bacterial pneumonia and had to be treated for severe nausea and dehydration. In October, zoo staff administered COVID vaccines to seven orangutans, a western lowland gorilla, a white-eared titi monkey, and two emperor tamarins.
The National Zoo in Washington, D.C., is still operating on a shortened schedule due to the pandemic. Free entry passes and paid parking must be acquired online ahead of your visit. The zoo is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
