ORLANDO, Fla. – National Pink Flamingo Day may have started as a tribute to the iconic plastic lawn ornament, but at Discovery Cove, the holiday is all about the real thing.
The Orlando day resort is using the June 23 celebration to spotlight its Caribbean flamingos through its “Flamingo Mingle” experience, which gives guests the opportunity to interact with the birds while learning about flamingo behavior, conservation and their connection to Florida.
Flamingo at Discovery Cove (News 6 WKMG CSD)
Located inside Discovery Cove’s Flamingo Point habitat, the experience allows guests to get up close with one of the world’s pinkest flamingo species.
“These are our Caribbean flamingos,” said Courtney Taylor, a senior aviculturist at Discovery Cove. “These are the pinkest of all of the flamingos that you’re going to find around the world.”
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Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive resort-style park where visitors can snorkel with tropical fish, float through a lazy river, relax on white-sand beaches and participate in animal encounters throughout the park.
The Flamingo Mingle experience adds another interactive option for guests looking for a closer look at the animals.
Discovery Cove describes the encounter as an opportunity to become part of the “flamboyance” — the official term for a group of flamingos.
Flamingos at Discovery Cove (News 6 WKMG CSD)
The Caribbean flamingos at Discovery Cove are especially known for their vibrant pink coloring — something that comes largely from their diet.
“Most of that pink coloration is going to come from the food that they’re eating,” Courtney said. “That is actually what gives them that beautiful pink color.”
But according to Discovery Cove’s animal care team, the flamingos’ personalities may be even more memorable than their appearance.
“They’re kind of like pink chaos,” Courtney said. “But they’re a lot of fun to work with.”
That playful energy was on full display during filming for National Pink Flamingo Day content, when one particularly curious flamingo repeatedly attempted to snack on my hair while cameras rolled.
Beyond the guest experience, Discovery Cove said the Flamingo Mingle program also supports conservation work in Florida.
The park has partnered with Audubon Florida, a nonprofit focused on protecting the state’s natural resources and wildlife habitats. A portion of the proceeds from the Flamingo Mingle experience goes directly toward Audubon Florida’s conservation efforts, including bird population monitoring and environmental initiatives.
Discovery Cove said space for the Flamingo Mingle experience is limited and reservations are recommended. The encounter is offered as an add-on experience and requires separate park admission.
Guests interested in booking the experience can find more information at Discovery Cove’s Flamingo Mingle page.
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