'You could just feel the excitement in the air' as bird flu restrictions ease
The flamingos are now back on show at Paignton Zoo and the zoo is trying to also breed cassowarys
Last updated 21st May 2025
Paignton Zoo's Chilean flamingo flock have made a return to their lagoon home after being cared for behind-the-scenes since February due to bird flu concerns.
The pink birds were carefully moved back on Friday morning - just in time for breeding season and the upcoming May half-term holiday rush.
Lisa Ward, Birds Team Leader at Paignton Zoo, said: "The moment we released the first group of flamingos back into the lagoon, you could just feel the excitement in the air - both from our team and the birds themselves! Having them back at the entrance really brings the zoo to life again.”
Keepers are also trying to breed their pair of cassowarys:
"The feathered favourites had been housed indoors for nearly three months as a safety measure following bird flu concerns in the area. But after Thursday's lifting of the UK-wide avian influenza prevention zone, zoo staff wasted no time getting the birds back to their rightful home.
"Among the returning celebrities are Curtis and Arthur, the same-sex couple who 'adopted' an egg and are now raising their chick together – a story that has generated significant public interest. The pair were named by the public during last year's 'Love Lagoon' campaign, which highlighted the zoo's flamingo breeding programme.
"Despite the enormous challenges of managing bird flu restrictions, the zoo's organised bird team made sure to prepare the island for the flamingos' return. As the flamingos settle back into lagoon life, keepers will monitor their behaviour and, when breeding signals appear positive, step in as needed to help create the perfect nesting conditions.
“After months of bird flu worries and keeping them safe indoors, there's nothing more rewarding than watching them explore it again. We’ve already dug over the sand on their island to loosen the compacted soil so that when the time is right, we can help create the mud pies needed for nesting. Fingers crossed for another successful breeding season!”