KAILUA-KONA — Staff at the Three Ring Ranch Exotic Animal Sanctuary are mourning the loss of one of their flamingos, Mr. Pink, that died of old age on Monday.
The sanctuary posted about Mr. Pink’s death on Facebook Tuesday afternoon.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of one of our flamingos, who gifted us with 19 incredible years, 11 months and 2 weeks. Wild caught 31 years ago and survived by his best friend, who will soon join another flock of ‘elder lies’ Until then flamingo calls are being played and lots attention given since the loss of his buddy,” the sanctuary wrote on Facebook.
Ann Goody, executive director of 3RR, said they only have one flamingo at the property, which they anticipate will be given to Honolulu Zoo.
“They’re such strong flock animals,” Goody said. “They don’t move well on they’re own.”
Goody went on to explain their sole surviving flamingo feels vulnerable.
“I sit on the bank and play flamingo calls and we have plastic flamingos out, but that’s not a way of life,” she added.
Goody said it’s a pleasure and honor to care for this species.
The sanctuary’s mission is to positively impact the environment while educating Hawaii’s children about their place in the natural world. They assist in the development of an environmentally responsible generation of youth while caring for exotic animal residents.
Their vision as Hawaii’s only accredited animal sanctuary is to educate the public through a variety of programs while teaching about the fragile ecosystem that is impacted on a daily basis, giving visitors a rare chance to see the animals up close and improving the lives of the animals in our care.
Info: www.threeringranch.org/