Andean Highland Flamingo - SAFE Species Program Three-Year Plan (2021-2023)
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Andean Highland Flamingo
SAFE Species Program
Three-Year Plan
(2021-2023)
9 March 2021
Program Leaders
Daniel Hilliard, Ph.D. and Sue Tygielski, Ph.D.
Table of Contents
Program Description
Background………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
Program Goal…………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
Program Operational Structure………………………………………………………………… 5
Conservation Targets…………………………………………………………………………… 6
Status of Taxa within AZA Community………………………………………………………... 6
AZA Conservation Activities……………………………………………………………………. 7
Andean Highland Flamingos Conservation Monitoring Program………………………… 8
AZA Public Awareness and Engagement Activities…………………………………………. 9
Species Status
Conservation Status…………………………………………………………………………….. 10
Recovery Plan or Conservation Plan in Effect……………………………………………….. 11
Threats……………………………………………………………………………………………. 12
Work Plan Objectives
Conservation Objectives……………………………………………………………………….. 13
Public / Stakeholder Objectives………………………………………………………………... 14
Communications/Public Awareness Objectives……………………………………………… 15
Funding Objectives……………………………………………………………………………… 16
Program Summary Tables
Tables…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 17-20
References
References……………………………………………………………………………………….. 21-24
2
Background
Their colorful plumage, gregarious behaviors, and flamboyant displays make flamingos crowd
favorites at zoological facilities throughout the world. Chilean flamingos, one of three flamingo
species native to South America’s Andean highlands, are featured prominently at more than
sixty AZA accredited zoos and aquariums, and oftentimes used as awareness and ambassador
animals. Their recognizable likenesses are also used to generate sales at gift stores and
promote special events, celebrations, and environmental awareness days.
In the wild, Andean (Phoenicoparrus andinus), Chilean (Phoenicoparrus chilensis), and Puna
(James’s) flamingos (Phoenicoparrus jamesi) have experienced dramatic population declines
throughout much of their geographic range, particularly in the Andean highlands of northern
Chile. There, these three flamingo species cohabitate in flocks that concentrate in and around
brackish, alkaline wetlands known as salars, where they feed on red algae and other
microscopic organisms. The unique habitats provide important feeding, breeding, and nesting
grounds for the birds and are critical to their survival. However, human activities such as mining
and unregulated tourism have increasingly disturbed the salars upon which the three sympatric
species of flamingo depend. Due to declining population numbers since the mid-1980s, Andean,
Chilean, and Puna (James’s) flamingos are now categorized as vulnerable by Chile’s
environmental authorities, and as vulnerable or near threatened by the International Union for
the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The Andean Highland Flamingo SAFE species program was created in recognition of the
declining population numbers and ongoing threats to wild Andean, Chilean, and Puna (James’s)
flamingos and their habitat. The program plan draws upon the expertise and resources of AZA
accredited facilities, range country partners, and affiliated interest groups, and its recommended
actions are informed by existing recovery and conservation plans developed by range country
stakeholders, organizations, and government authorities.
Andean Highland Flamingos SAFE invites and welcomes all interested AZA accredited zoos,
aquariums, and certified-related facilities to become program partners.
Chilean flamingo (Zoológico Nacional de Chile, 2018).
3
Program Goal
The goal of the Andean Highland Flamingo (AHF) SAFE species program is to ensure
sustainable populations of Andean, Chilean, and Puna (James’s) flamingos throughout their
geographic range in South America. AHF SAFE supports the recovery and conservation of
these three species through research, monitoring, public engagement, targeted training,
community outreach, and education programming.
In the first three-year plan, AHF SAFE focuses on the recovery and conservation of Andean,
Chilean, and Puna (James’s) flamingos in the Andean highlands of northern Chile. Specifically,
the program will help fill research gaps and assist with the identification, prioritization, and
designation of critical flamingo habitat in Chile’s northern Andean highlands. Priority program
activities will be undertaken in support of the Chilean government’s Flamencos Altoandinos en
el Norte de Chile: Estado Actual y Plan de Conservación (CONAF, 2005) and in coordination
with range country authorities and partners.
AHF SAFE recognizes the threats facing Andean, Chilean, and Puna (James’s) flamingos in
other parts of their geographic range and supports the ongoing field research and public
engagement activities of AZA member institutions in these areas. However, AHF SAFE
recommends that any new support for Andean, Chilean, or Puna (James’s) flamingo
conservation be directed toward achieving the priority research, recovery, and conservation
goals outlined in this three-year plan.
AHF SAFE invites all AZA accredited zoological facilities to become program partners and
support the aspirational goal of advancing research and protection of Andean highland
flamingos and their habitat, and creating a recovery and conservation network that connects
zoos and aquariums, range country partners, and flamingo enthusiasts around the world.
Salar de Surire, Chile (Zoológico Nacional de Chile, 2018)
4
Program Operational Structure
Affiliation Representative Title Contact Information
Program Leaders
Zoo Conservation Daniel Hilliard, PhD Executive Director zcog@zcog.org
Outreach Group (301) 562-0777 ext. 244
Reid Park Zoo Sue Tygielski, PhD Director of Zoo sue.tygielski@reidparkzoo.org
Operations (520) 827-8186
Program Partners - Steering Committee
Alexandria Zoo Lisa Laskowski General Curator Lisa.laskowski@cityofalex.com
(318) 441-6835
Oklahoma City Zoo Holly Ray Chilean Flamingo HRay@okczoo.org
SSP Coordinator (405) 425-0276
Dallas Zoo Harrison Edell Chief Mission Officer harrison.edell@dallaszoo.com
TAG Chair (469) 554-7201
Dickerson Park Zoo Mike Crocker Zoo Director mcrocker@springfieldmo.gov
(417) 833-1570
Greenville Zoo Nick Kapustin Veterinarian nkapustin@greenvillesc.gov
(864) 467-5748
Program Advisors
Zoologico Nacional Guillermo Cubillos Director of gcubillos@parquemet.cl
de Chile Torres Conservation Science
IUCN Flamingo Paul Rose Co-Chair, Flamingo P.Rose@exeter.ac.uk
Specialist Group Specialist Group
Reid Park Zoo Jennifer Stoddard Education Supervisor jennifers@reidparkzoo.org
(520) 837-8200
Greenville Zoo Lynn Watkins Education Curator lwatkins@greenvillesc.gov
(864) 467-4850
Oklahoma City Zoo Candice Rennels Director of Crennels@okczoo.org
and Botanical Garden Public Relations (405) 412-6172
AZA Wildlife Conservation Committee (WCC) Liaison
Oklahoma City Zoo Kevin Drees Director of KDrees@okczoo.org
and Botanical Garden Animal Collections (405) 425-0604
5
Conservation Targets
The Andean Highland Flamingo SAFE species program focuses on the recovery and
conservation of three flamingo species (Phoenicopteridae) found in South America: the Andean
Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus), Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis), and Puna
(James’s) Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi) throughout their range. The objectives for the
2021-2023 program plan focus specifically on populations found in the Andean highlands of
northern Chile, due to their dramatic population declines, strong support of the national
government for recovery, and the important role that salar habitat found in the area plays for all
three species.
Status of Taxon Within the AZA Community
Chilean flamingos are managed under an AZA Species Survival Plan (SSP). A draft of the
SSP’s most recent Population Analysis & Breeding and Transfer Plan lists 1,776 birds
(837.769.170) held at 57 AZA member institutions1 (See Table 1). Neither Andean nor Puna
(James’s) flamingos are currently managed at AZA zoos, aquariums, or certfied-related
facilities.
The Ciconiiformes, Phoenicopteriformes, and Pelecaniformes Taxon Advisory Group (TAG)
oversees the Chilean flamingo SSP and in its Regional Collection Plan (AZA, 2020) set a target
population size of 1,950 birds for the program. Under AZA’s current sustainability designations,
the Chilean flamingo SSP qualifies as a “Green” program. Program leaders of the Chilean
flamingo SSP and Ciconiiformes, Phoenicopteriformes, and Pelecaniformes TAG participate on
the Andean Highland Flamingo SAFE Steering Committee.
Table 1: AZA Facilities Holding Chilean Flamingos
Africam Safari Park Greenville Zoo Phoenix Zoo
Akron Zoological Park Henry Vilas Zoo Reid Park Zoo
Alexandria Zoological Park Houston Zoo Roger Williams Park Zoo
Blank Park Zoo Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Rolling Hills Zoo
Park
Brevard Zoo Indianapolis Zoological Society Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Bronx Zoo John Ball Zoo San Antonio Zoological Society
Busch Gardens—Tampa Kansas City Zoo San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Caldwell Zoo Lee Richardson Zoo San Francisco Zoological
Gardens
Calgary Zoo Lincoln Park Zoo Santa Barbara Zoological
Gardens
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Little Rock Zoo Scovill Zoo
Como Park Zoo Los Angeles Zoo SeaWorld Orlando
1
The 27 October 2020 draft cites 55 holding facilities, but lists 57 in the document. Table 1 contains all 57 holding facilities.
6
Table 1: AZA Facilities Holding Chilean Flamingos (Cont.)
Denver Zoo Louisville Zoological Garden Sea World San Antonio
Detroit Zoo Memphis Zoo Sequoia Park Zoo
Dickerson Park Zoo Milwaukee County Zoological Tracy Aviary
Gardens
Ellen Trout Zoo Nashville Zoo Turtle Back Zoo
Fort Worth Zoo North Carolina Zoological Park Wildlife Safari
Fundación Temaikèn Oceanografic Valencia Woodland Park Zoo
Gladys Porter Zoo Oklahoma City Zoo and Garden Zoo Atlanta
Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Palm Beach Zoo Zoo New England, Franklin
Museum of Natural History Park Zoo
AZA Conservation Activities
Neither the relevant SSP nor TAG have sponsored or supported any collaborative conservation
efforts for Andean highland flamingos; Andean Highland Flamingo SAFE fills the gap. Individual
AZA accredited facilities have supported field research and conservation –related activities for
the three flamingo species for several decades. For 2018 and 2019, AZA’s Annual Report on
Conservation and Science (ARCS) lists a total of $104,000 USD in conservation investments
made by twelve AZA accredited facilities (AZA, 2018 and AZA, 2019; Table 2).
Table 2: AZA Financial Support for Andean Highland Flamingo Conservation (2018-2019)
Year # of Reporting Institutions Investment Amount ($USD)
2018 8 $ 46,000
2019 10 $ 58,000
TOTAL $ 104,000
The list of reporting institutions for the period 2018-2019 includes:
• Abilene Zoological Gardens • Reid Park Zoo
• Alexandria Zoological Park • San Antonio Zoological Society
• Denver Zoo • Smithsonian National Zoological Park
• Detroit Zoo • Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
• Dickerson Park Zoo • Woodland Park Zoo
• Fort Worth Zoo • Zoo Miami Foundation
• Nashville Zoo
Projects supported by the above-listed facilities include field research and conservation
awareness efforts in Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. Additionally, between 2006-2018, eight AZA
facilities reported research projects for Chilean flamingo management, welfare, and care (AZA,
2019). These facilities include, Blank Park Zoo, Brevard Zoo, Dallas Zoo, Elmwood Park Zoo,
Sequioa Park Zoo, Wildlife Safari, Woodland Park Zoo, and Zoo Atlanta (AZA, 2019).
7
Andean Highland Flamingos Conservation Monitoring Program
The Andean Highland Flamingos Conservation Monitoring Program is a multi-year research
initiative to document movement patterns and habitat use of Andean, Chilean, and Puna
(James’s) flamingos to identify and designate priority habitat conservation areas for the three
species. In response to declining flamingo population numbers in Chile, the Zoológico Nacional
de Chile, Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF), and Zoo Conservation Outreach Group
(ZCOG) launched a program in 2007 to document the health and conservation status of
Andean, Chilean, and Puna (James’s) flamingos. In 2017, the program expanded to include the
first long-term satellite monitoring of flamingos in Chile. Building on preliminary results, the
program is increasing its sample size of monitored birds to better document specific feeding,
breeding, nesting, and resting locations, and prioritize for protection those habitat areas that
might serve as biological corridors favoring genetic connectivity.
Since 2003, ZCOG, an AZA Conservation Partner and founding member of Andean Highland
Flamingo SAFE, has conducted fundraising, grant-writing, and financial management for the
Andean Highland Flamingos Conservation Monitoring Program. For the period 2003-2019, the
group reports contributions from 15 AZA accredited zoological facilities and investments of over
$50,000 USD in support of flamingo research and conservation efforts in Chile.
In early 2020, ZCOG and a Chilean video production team finalized work on an edited, English-
language video about Andean highland flamingo conservation monitoring efforts in northern
Chile. The video will be made available for use in Andean Highland Flamingo SAFE education,
communication, public awareness, and fundraising activities.
Release of GPS tagged James’s flamingo in Salar de Surire, Chile. (Zoológico Nacional de Chile, 2018).
8
AZA Public Awareness Activities
The AZA community’s interest in flamingo conservation is evident by its enthusiastic support of
public awareness activities, such as International Flamingo Day and National Pink Flamingo
Day, celebrated annually on April 26th and June 23rd, respectively.
Launched on April 26, 2020, International Flamingo Day is organized by the International Union
for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Flamingo Specialist Group (FSG) and designed to
spread awareness about flamingos and their conservation status worldwide. Many AZA member
facilities held special flamingo-themed events on the newly created International Flamingo Day
and promoted the date on their social media, although the exact number that did so is currently
unknown. Andean Highland Flamingos SAFE has set a goal of engaging at least half of Chilean
flamingo SSP holding facilities (i.e., 29 of 57) in International Flamingo Day by 2023.
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust and IUCN Flamingo Specialist Group (WWT, 2020).
In 2007, Dean Mazzaralla, Mayor of Leominster, Massachussetts, declared National Pink
Flamingo Day to celebrate the pink, plastic lawn flamingo and honor its creator, Don
Featherstone (savetheflamingos.org, 2020). Since then, the day has been used by many AZA
accredited zoos and aquariums to celebrate flamingos and raise awareness and funds for their
conservation. In 2018 and 2019, ZCOG, Audubon Zoo, and the New Orleans restaurant
Flamingo A Go-Go, partnered on a weekend-long Flamingo Fest event to raise awareness and
funds for flamingo conservation and monitoring in Chile.
Flamingo Fest 2019 promotion. (Flamingo A Go-Go, 2019).
9
Conservation Status of Taxa
Since the mid-1980s, increased human activities, such as intensive mining and unregulated
tourism, have disturbed the wetland—salar—habitat upon which the Andean, Chilean, and Puna
(James's) flamingos depend for feeding, breeding, and nesting, especially in Chile's northern
Andean highlands. As a result, populations of all three species are considered vulnerable or
near threatened across their geographic range.
According to the Chilean government’s Flamencos Altoandinos en el Norte de Chile: Estado
Actual y Plan de Conservación, the Andean flamingo has the lowest estimated population of the
three species with a population of 40,000 individuals, the Puna (James’s) has an estimated
global population of 120,000 individuals, and Chilean flamingo has an estimated population of
over 200,000 individuals. Andean and Chilean flamingos are also cited as possessing the most
irregular and highest reproduction rates of the three flamingo species, respectively (Rodríguez,
Eduardo (ed.), 2005).
All three Andean highland flamingo species are categorized as vulnerable by Chile's Ministry of
the Environment, and as vulnerable (VU) or near threatened (NT) by the International Union for
the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The three species are also listed under Appendix II of the
Convention on the International Trade of Engendered Species (CITES). Andean flamingos are
protected under the United States (US) Endangered Species Act, but other regulations that
protect some flamingo species, like the Migratory Bird Act for American flamingos, do not apply
to Andean, Chilean, or Puna (James’s) flamingos.
Table 3: Conservation Status of Andean, Chilean, and Puna (James’s) Flamingos
Common Name Scientific Name ESA Status IUCN Red List Status
Andean flamingo Phoenicoparrus andinus Endangered Vulnerable (VU)
Chilean flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis Not Near threatened (NT)
Applicable
Puna (James's) Phoenicoparrus jamesi Not Near threatened (NT)
flamingo Applicable
10Recovery Plan(s)
The Andean Highland Flamingo SAFE three-year program plan implements recommended
recovery and conservation actions contained in the Chilean government’s Flamencos
Altoandinos en el Norte de Chile: Estado Actual y Plan de Conservación.
Published in 2005 by the Corporación Nacional
Forestal (CONAF; National Forest Corporation),
the document is a collaboration of Chilean
governmental and nonprofit entities, international
partners, and national stakeholders, including the
private mining sector, academia, and indigenous
communities. The publication presents a plan for
the recovery and conservation of Andean, Chilean,
and Puna (James’s) flamingos in Chile, based
principally on: strengthening the control of threats
to reproduction in the country’s Andean highland
salars; encouraging research on applied habitat
management; strengthening the integration of
conservation in national and international sectors;
and proactive application of international
agreements to control threats and monitor
populations.
Andean Highland Flamingo SAFE’s three-year program plan assists the Chilean Ministry of the
Environment and CONAF in achieving goals established in their Flamencos Altoandinos en el
Norte de Chile: Estado Actual y Plan de Conservación, specifically with respect to applied
research to inform habitat protection and management and integrating conservation into
business operations in the area (e.g., responsible tourism). To achieve plan goals, Andean
Highland Flamingo SAFE will work in active collaboration with two principal Chilean partners,
CONAF and the Zoológical Nacional de Chile. Representatives from CONAF and the Zoo will
also serve as informal and formal advisors, respectively, to the Andean Highland Flamingos
SAFE species program, and members of their staffs will lead in-country research, community
outreach, and education program efforts, assuring that relevant governing authorities will have
full access to the SAFE program’s research findings.
Andean Highland Flamingos SAFE’s Steering Committee recommends that the AZA community
direct financial support and human resources toward achieving the priority research, recovery,
and conservation goals outlined in Chile’s Flamencos Altoandinos en el Norte de Chile: Estado
Actual y Plan de Conservación and in AHF SAFE’s three-year plan. Committee members and
program partners invite AZA members that have worked in other parts of the three species
geographic range to lend their expertise to this effort to maximize conservation impact..
11Threats
The principal threat to Andean, Chilean, and Puna (James’s) flamingos is the alteration of their
habitat throughout their range in South America. Of particular concern are human impacts to the
brackish, alkaline wetlands known as salars, which are important feeding, breeding, and nesting
grounds for the three sympatric species of flamingos. In the Andean highlands of northern Chile
and neighboring countries, mining and unregulated tourism constitute the principal human
activities that have led to habitat disturbance and flamingo population declines. Climate change
has also been implicated as a major driver of the degradation and loss of flamingo habitat.
Lithium, borax, and heavy metal (e.g., copper) mining in the Andean highlands are major threats
because they disrupt flamingo habitat by reducing water levels and quality. Lithium mining can
be particularly harmful to flamingo habitat because its mineral extraction processes require
significant quantities of water to be pulled out of the brackish salars, with the net result being
less wetland habitat for flamingo feeding, breeding, and nesting.
Unregulated tourism is another threat to Andean highland flamingos and their habitat. In areas
where tourist activities are either uncontrolled or unmonitored, flamingo nesting habitat can be
altered or damaged, and flamingo adults and chicks disturbed or harassed during breeding and
feeding, reducing reproductive productivity.
More recently, climate change has been identified as negatively impacting water levels of the
flamingos’ wetland habitat, resulting in extreme conditions (e.g., flooding, excessive runoff, and
drought) unfavorable for flamingo feeding, breeding, and nesting. Research also suggests that
flamingos travel at night and use these wetland ponds and lakes as navigation tools. As such,
significant changes to habitat may affect the flamingos’ ability to navigate effectively when in
search of food, breeding, or resting locations.
In the 1980s, the extraction of flamingo eggs from their nests for commerical purposes was
considered a threat to Andean, Chilean, and Puna (James’s) flamingos in Chile, as egg
consumption was significant in urban and rural centers of the highland regions of Tarapaca and
Antofagasta (Rodríguez, Eduardo (ed.), 2005). However, as of 2005, Chilean governmental
authorities listed the threat as ‘strongly controlled.’ In Argentina and Bolivia, feather and egg
collection for local consumption continue to be identified as threats.
Salar de Surire, Chile (Zoológico Nacional de Chile, 2018)
12Work Plan Objectives
Work Plan objectives are broken into four categories: conservation, public and stakeholder,
communication and public awareness, and funding. Some objectives will be achieved by two or
more categories working towards the same goal. Objectives are described below and outlined
in table format at the end of this section. Strategic goals are listed with numbers that
correspond to those in the tables on pages 17-20.
Conservation Objectives
Objective 1 is to capture and tag with solar GPS units up to thirty flamingos—ten of each
species—over a three-year period2 (1.1). Each year, up to 10 GPS units will be purchased,
delivered to range country partners, and prepared for deployment. At least two field campaigns
will be held each year, and reseach teams will capture and tag (1.2) as many flamingos as
possible, and collect biological and health data from the birds (1.3).
Objective 2 is to map and analyze movement and habitat use data from the solar GPS units
affixed to individual flamingos. Data from the GPS units will be collected, mapped with open-
source GIS software, and then analyzed by project investigators. Analysis results will be
reported to Chile’s Ministry of the Environment and CONAF to inform the designation and
protection of priority conservation areas for flamingos and support Chile’s Andean highland
flamingo conservation plan (Rodríguez, Eduardo (ed.), 2005). Additional data analysis of
individual bird activity will be undertaken to complement the body of knowledge about the
species’s movement patterns (e.g., flight speeds, distance traveled, duration spent at specific
feeding, breeding, and nesting sites).
Microwave Telemetry solar GPS satellite tags used for flamingo monitoring (Zoológico Nacional de Chile, 2018).
2
Six (6) Puna (James’s) flamingos were captured in December 2018 and their GPS units are already returning movement data.
13Public and Stakeholder Engagement Objectives
Public and stakeholder engagement efforts (objective 3) will focus on protecting flamingo
feeding, breeding, and nesting sites from human disturbance—goals outlined in Chile’s Andean
Highland Flamingo National Conservation Plan (Rodríguez, Eduardo (ed.), 2005). The target
audiences for these efforts will be Chilean tourism operators, field guides, and international and
national tourists that visit flamingo habitat. Tourism is an important source of revenue for many
local communities, and can benefit wildlife and habitat conservation if done with minimal
disturbance. Training workshops for tour operators and field guides will be developed in
coordination with staff from the Zoológico Nacional de Chile and Servicio Nacional de Turismo
(SENATUR). The workshops will include an overview of highland ecology and conservation,
with an emphasis on flamingo conservation; instruction in non-invasive monitoring and map
reading methods to identify strategic locations for flamingo-safe tourist interactions; and
information on how to best promote wildlife viewing and ecotourism without disturbing or
harming flamingos or their habitat (3.1). A post-workshop tour of flamingo viewing sites in the
Monumento Natural Salar de Suriré will be included to help participants develop guide routes,
practice environmental interpretation techniques, and rehearse educational activities that can be
used during guided tours. Pre and post-training surveys will be conducted prior to and 6 & 12
months after the workshop(s) to gauge changes in guide skills, knowledge, and attitudes.
Action item 3.2 involves the development and installation of interpretive signage to promote
community pride in flamingos and guide responsible tourist activities near flamingo habitat. The
AHF Education Committee, Zoológico Nacional, and SENATUR staff will work with communities
to develop educational and interpretive signage for display at the project site. Signage will
incorporate local language and symbols regarding the sacred nature of the altiplano landscape
and its species, and its impact will be evaluated with guest surveys and visitor observations.
Implementing tour guide training and installing interpretive trail signage for on-site visitors will
help advance the goals of Chile’s flamingo recovery plan by reducing disturbances to flocks and
decreasing human impact on their habitat, particularly in areas where ecotourism occurs.
Nesting Chilean flamingo at Reid Park Zoo (Reid Park Zoo, 2020).
14Communication and Public Awareness Objectives
Andean Highland Flamingo SAFE’s communication and public awareness objectives are to
develop and provide a flamingo conservation messaging toolkit to program partners, promote
consumer behaviors that reduce threats to flamingos, and increase AZA member engagement
in International Flamingo Day.
The Andean Highland Flamingo SAFE Education Committee, staff from the Zoológico Nacional
de Chile, and program partners will work together to develop a communication and public
awareness toolkit. The toolkit’s messaging content will focus on protecting flamingo feeding,
breeding, and nesting habitat from human disturbance (Objective 4). Additionally, the toolkit will
include instructions for effectively communicating threats and solutions, materials for use on
social media, and support for evalutating the impact of conservation messaging activities.
Andean Highland Flamingo SAFE’s Education
Committee will develop metrics to evaluate the
success of its communications activities and
measure the adoption of consumer behaviors
that reduce three key threats. Threats and
solutions will focus on reducing: 1) mining
impacts on flamingo habitat by promoting heavy
metal recycling, lithium recycling, and water
reduction technologies for lithium mining; 2)
human contributions to global climate change
by promoting activities that visitors can do to
decrease personal contributions to this threat;
and 3) demand for illegal egg and feather
harvesting by promoting pride and respect
for the birds. Flamingo Specialist Group, 2020
An additional objective is to increase AZA member participation in International Flamingo Day in
order to increase awareness of and support for flamingo conservation (4.7). Celebrating species
awareness days at AZA accredited zoos, aquariums, and certified-related facilities can help
draw attention to a species and the threats to its survival, promote behaviors that reduce
threats, and raise funds for range country conservation and research activities. Andean
Highland Flamingos SAFE has set a goal of engaging at least half of Chilean flamingo SSP
holding facilities (i.e., 29 of 57 AZA member holding facilities) in International Flamingo Day by
2023. Increased AZA member facility participation in this IUCN –sanctioned day is a way of
building support for flamingo conservation and galvinizing public acion to reduce of eliminate
threats to the species’ long-term survival.
15Funding Objectives
Andean Highland Flamingo SAFE’s main funding objective is to secure sufficient financial
resources to support budgeted program activities over a three-year period (Objective 5). To
secure funding, Andean Highland Flamingo SAFE has established annual contribution levels of
$5,000 USD and $2,500 USD for its Steering Committee and program partners (5.1),
respectively, and set a goal of attracting five new program partners during each year of the
three-year plan. Additionally, the program will promote flamingo-centric fundraising events,
celebrations, and awareness days, like National Pink Flamingo Day, particularly among Chilean
flamingo SSP holding facilities (5.3). Zoo Conservation Outreach Group (ZCOG) will serve as
the holder of Andean Highland Flamingo SAFE’s dedicated fund.
Greenville Zoo sippin’ safari fundraiser flyer (Greenville Zoo, 2017)
National Pink Flamingo Day flyer (Flamingo A Go-Go, 2018)
National Pink Flamingo Day celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana (Flamingo A Go-Go, 2019)
16Program Summary Tables: Andean Highland Flamingos SAFE
Conservation Objectives
During its inaugural 3-year program plan, Andean Highland Flamingo SAFE’s main conservation objective will be to support the recovery and
conservation of Andean, Chilean, and Puna (James’s) flamingos in northern Chilean through research and monitoring.
Strategic Objective 1: Capture and tag with solar GPS units up to ten flamingos of each species over a three-year period.
Number Action Metric Year Year Year AZA Members Field Partners Budget
1 2 3
1.1 Purchase and deliver Number of solar GPS tags 10 10 4 ZCOG, RPZ, and Zoo Nacional de $102,000
solar GPS tags to field purchased and delivered to field AZA program Chile
partners in Chile. researchers in Chile. partners
1.2 Conduct capture and Number of capture and tagging 2 2 2 ZCOG, RPZ, and Zoo Nacional de $30,000
tagging campaigns in campaigns per year. AZA program Chile & CONAF
Chile. partners
1.3 Collect biological and Number of flamingos from which 10 10 4 ZCOG, Zoo Nacional de N/A
health data during biological and health samples are Greenville Zoo Chile & CONAF
capture and tagging. secured.
Strategic Objective 2: Download, analyze, map, and report flamingo movement and habitat use data.
2.1 Satellite data downloads Monthly downloading of satellite 12 12 12 N/A Zoo Nacional de $95,000
and mapping. data and movement & habitat use Chile
mapping.
2.2 Data analysis, mapping, Annual reporting of data and 1 1 1 ZCOG Zoo Nacional de $3,000
and reporting to CONAF. mapping to Chilean environmental Chile
authorities.
2.3 Annual conservation Annual conservation activities report 1 1 1 ZCOG Zoo Nacional de N/A
report to Steering to Andean Highland Flamingos Chile
Committee. SAFE Steering Committee.
2.4 3-year report to CONAF Report of 3-year data analysis, 1 ZCOG Zoo Nacional de N/A
mapping, and priority conservation Chile
areas to CONAF.
KEY:
AZA Association of Zoos & Aquariums RPZ Reid Park Zoo ZCOG Zoo Conservation Outreach Group
CONAF Corporación Nacional Forestal de Chile SENATUR Servicio Nacional de Turismo
17Public and Stakeholder Engagement Objectives
Andean Highland Flamingo SAFE’s public and stakeholder engagement objective is to help protect flamingo feeding, breeding, and nesting habitat
from human disturbance.
Strategic Objective 3: Protect flamingo feeding, breeding, and nesting sites through public and stakeholder engagement actions.
Number Action Metric Year Year Year AZA Members Field Partners Budget
1 2 3
3.1.1 Identify tourist Number of companies, operators 1 1 ZCOG, RPZ Zoo Nacional de N/A
companies, operators, and guides identified for training. Chile & SENATUR
and guides for training.
3.1.2 Develop flamingo SAFE Number of course(s) successfully 1 1 ZCOG, RPZ Zoo Nacional de N/A
tourist operator and guide developed. Chile & SENATUR
training course.
1
3.1.3 Conduct flamingo SAFE Number of courses held and 2 2 ZCOG, RPZ Zoo Nacional de $15,000
tourist operator and guide number of participants trained. Chile & SENATUR
training course.
3.1.4 Evaluate flamingo SAFE Evaluation of course impact to take 1 1 ZCOG, RPZ Zoo Nacional de $2,500
tourist operator and guide place 6 and 12 months after each Chile & SENATUR
training course. course.
3.2.1 Design and install Number of signs developed and 5 5 ZCOG, RPZ, Zoo Nacional de $5,000
interpretive signage to installed on park trails in Education Chile, CONAF &
promote community pride coordination with local community Committee local communities
in flamingos and guide groups, park authorities, and range
responsible tourist country partners.
activities near flamingo
habitat.
3.2.2 Develop and conduct Number of surveys conducted and 1 1 ZCOG, RPZ, Zoo Nacional de N/A
surveys on the impact of responses received. Education Chile, CONAF &
interpretive signage in Committee local communities
parks with flamingo
habitat.
KEY:
AZA Association of Zoos & Aquariums RPZ Reid Park Zoo ZCOG Zoo Conservation Outreach Group
CONAF Corporación Nacional Forestal de Chile SENATUR Servicio Nacional de Turismo
N/A = not applicable or budget figure not currently available.
Footnotes:
1
Includes budget for developing tourist operator training course and identifying participants.
18Communication and Public Awareness Objective(s)
Andean Highland Flamingo SAFE’s 3-year communication and public awareness objective is to promote messaging and behaviors that support
the protection of flamingo feeding, breeding and nesting habitat in northern Chile. Principal actions in support of the objective will be to develop
and deliver a flamingo conservation messaging toolkit to program partners, promote consumer behaviors that reduce threats to flamingos and their
habitat, and increase AZA member engagement in International Flamingo Day.
Strategic Objective 4: Protect flamingo feeding, breeding, and nesting habitat through communication and public awareness actions.
Number Action Metric Year Year Year AZA Members Field Partners Budget
1 2 3
4.1 Develop and provide pilot Toolkit developed and offered to 1 1 Education Zoo Nacional de $500
toolkit materials for heavy program partners. Committee Chile
metal and lithium mining
messaging.
4.2 Develop and provide Toolkit developed and offered to 1 1 Education Zoo Nacional de $500
toolkit focused on program partners. Committee Chile
reducing human activities
that contribute to global
climate change.
4.3 Develop and provide pilot Toolkit developed and offered to 1 1 Education Zoo Nacional de
toolkit focused on program partners. Committee Chile
eliminating commercial
use of flamingo eggs and
feathers and combatting
wildlife trafficking.
4.4 Develop and provide pilot Toolkit developed and offered to 1 1 Education Zoo Nacional de $500
toolkit materials focused program partners. Committee Chile
on responsible tourism.
4.5 Develop and provide Number of program partners and 1 1 1 Education Zoo Nacional de
toolkit materials for AZA accredited facilities that Committee Chile
International Flamingo promote and hold celebrations for
Day activities. International Flamingo Day
4.6 Evaluate toolkit materials. Ongoing evaluation of materials by 1 1 1 Program partners Zoo Nacional de
Education Committee and partners. Chile
4.7 Promote AZA member Engage at least half of Chilean 9 10 10 Program partners Zoo Nacional de
facility involvement in flamingo SSP holding facilities (i.e., Chile
International Flamingo 29 of 57 AZA member facilities) in
Day International Flamingo Day by 2023.
KEY:
Education Committee Andean Highland Flamingo SAFE Education Committee (Grenville Zoo, Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, Reid Park Zoo)
19Funding Objectives
Andean Highland Flamingo SAFE’s main funding objective is to secure sufficient financial resources to support budgeted program activities over a
three-year period.
Strategic Objective 5: Secure sufficient financial resources to support budgeted program activities.
Number Action Metric Year Year Year AZA Members Field Partners Budget
1 2 3
5.1 Establish and maintain The Andean Highland Flamingo X X X Steering N/A
annual contribution levels SAFE Steering Committee is Committee
for Steering Committee recommending annual contribution
and program partners. levels of $5,000 USD for Steering
Committee institutions and $2,500
USD per year for program partners.
5.2 Attract 15 new program The Andean Highland Flamingo 5 5 5 Steering N/A
partners between 2021- Steering Committee will work to add Committee and
2023. a total of 15 new program partners program partners
during the 3-year program plan
period. The Committee will focus
efforts on AZA accredited facilities
holding Chilean flamingos in their
animal collections
5.3 Identify the number of Engage at least half of Chilean 9 10 10 Steering N/A
AZA accredited facilities flamingo SSP holding facilities (i.e., Committee,
holding annual flamingo- 29 of 57 AZA member facilities) in program
centric awareness and National Pink Flamingo Day or other partners, and
fundraising events; work flamingo fundraising events or AZA accredited
with facilities to develop celebrations by 2023. zoological
and promote flamingo- facilities,
centric fundraising specifically
events, celebrations, and Chilean flamingo
awareness days (e.g., holding facilities.
National Pink Flamingo
Day).
KEY:
AZA Association of Zoos & Aquariums RPZ Reid Park Zoo ZCOG Zoo Conservation Outreach Group
CONAF Corporación Nacional Forestal de Chile SENATUR Servicio Nacional de Turismo
N/A = Fundraising estimates have not been set due to the ongoing economic and donor base impact of the global Covid-19 pandemic. The program will reassess
fundraising estimates after calendar year 2021 and adjust budget figures.
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