ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
The Orlando day resort is using the June 23 celebration to spotlight its Caribbean flamingos through its \u201cFlamingo Mingle\u201d experience, which gives guests the opportunity to interact with the birds while learning about flamingo behavior, conservation and their connection to Florida.<\/p>\n
Flamingo at Discovery Cove (News 6 WKMG CSD)<\/p>\n
Located inside Discovery Cove\u2019s Flamingo Point habitat, the experience allows guests to get up close with one of the world\u2019s pinkest flamingo species.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are our Caribbean flamingos,\u201d said Courtney Taylor, a senior aviculturist at Discovery Cove. \u201cThese are the pinkest of all of the flamingos that you\u2019re going to find around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
The Flamingo Mingle experience adds another interactive option for guests looking for a closer look at the animals.<\/p>\n
Discovery Cove describes the encounter as an opportunity to become part of the \u201cflamboyance\u201d \u2014 the official term for a group of flamingos.<\/p>\n
Flamingos at Discovery Cove (News 6 WKMG CSD)<\/p>\n
The Caribbean flamingos at Discovery Cove are especially known for their vibrant pink coloring \u2014 something that comes largely from their diet.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost of that pink coloration is going to come from the food that they\u2019re eating,\u201d Courtney said. \u201cThat is actually what gives them that beautiful pink color.\u201d <\/p>\n
But according to Discovery Cove\u2019s animal care team, the flamingos\u2019 personalities may be even more memorable than their appearance.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re kind of like pink chaos,\u201d Courtney said. \u201cBut they\u2019re a lot of fun to work with.\u201d <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Beyond the guest experience, Discovery Cove said the Flamingo Mingle program also supports conservation work in Florida.<\/p>\n