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Blind flamingo targeted at Australian zoo
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by Amy Judd | October 30, 2008 at 07:41 am
644 views | 10 Recommendations | 18 comments
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A blind flamingo, one of the oldest in the world, was attacked by a group of teenagers at Adelaide Zoo in Australia, and was left fighting for his life.
The bird is about 80 years old, and was left unable to stand, with serious beak damage, head injuries, and bleeding from its left eye. Zookeepers had to transfer the bird to a nearby animal hospital. Four teens have been charged.
Adelaide Zoo chief executive Chris West said the flamingo was one of only a handful in captivity in Australia and first came to Adelaide in the 1930s. The bird and its Chilean partner are one of the zoo's most popular exhibits.
"He's just an icon, he's the oldest resident of the zoo, he's just a symbol of the beauty of nature," he said.
Today the flamingo, known as Greater, was reported to be responding well to treatment, but Dr West said it could be suffering from brain damage and would remain under observation.
"Over the next 48 hours we want to see him standing up - at the moment he can hold his neck up, it looks like he's had a drink.
"These are good signs but we want to be sure he can stand up, that he can move his neck freely and feed."
Greater is unafraid of humans, which could have contributed to the attack. The teenage males could face up to four years in jail and or a A$50,000 fine.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (18)
at 08:56 on October 30th, 2008
amyjudd, I like this story. It's good stuff. wasn't there another horrific story sometime ago about a child abusing an animal in yet another australian zoo?
at 09:08 on October 30th, 2008
Yes, you're right - it was this one here. Also an awful story.
at 08:58 on October 30th, 2008
This is just so wrong. I think such attacks are a direct consequence of a lack of understanding and appreciation for these beautiful rare animals among schoolkids.
at 09:21 on October 31st, 2008
I hope they get a long sentence. How could anyone in their right mind do such a horrific thing to a beautiful creature or any animal. Most of the time, people get off because it's an animal. I hope Creater recovers and that he still trusts humans. What a sad world.
at 09:17 on October 30th, 2008
Teenagers... when they are in a group, braveness increases hence attacks like this one
at 09:21 on October 30th, 2008
This is shocking. I feel sick.
at 12:29 on October 30th, 2008
I like this story terible what happened to the flamingo. It's good stuff.
at 14:07 on October 30th, 2008
He is such a beautiful bird, I only visited him a week ago from Melbourne. He stands at the front of the enclosure and talks to everyone. I don't understand how anyone could do that.
at 15:36 on October 30th, 2008
Oh that is so sad. I don't understand it either - how anyone could have that in them.
at 15:33 on October 30th, 2008
Teens in packs resort to pack behavior. Cruelty and poor impulse control, combined with rage, are a deadly combination. This poor creature.
at 15:37 on October 30th, 2008
I know - I hope he recovers ok. although at the moment it's still touch and go.
at 07:14 on October 31st, 2008
amyjudd, I like this story. It's good stuff!
This un-educated teenage males must be charge, and they deserved that...Good for them! Cruelty to birds or animals is a crime...and they know that!.
at 16:39 on October 31st, 2008
amyjudd, I like this story. It's good stuff.
at 18:24 on November 1st, 2008
I was at the Zoo for a uni project and I was walking past their enclosure and the birds are breath taking. They are both stunning and graceful and Greater just walks right up the edge of the enclosure to see why you're looking. I should have been saving the shots on my camera for another animal but I had to take some pictures.
Calliopes Sin has contributed a photo to this story.
at 18:25 on November 1st, 2008
I like this story. I want to know about any updates :)
at 20:59 on November 1st, 2008
little s.o.b's. I hope its a 50grand fine for each of them, jail will teach those little thugs nothing. they'll just come out as useless as they went in if not worse.
at 00:29 on November 11th, 2008
That is horribe. I hope those boys get a long sentence, and have to pay a hefty fine for what they did. It is such a shame that they did that. I hope the flamingo gets better.
at 23:14 on November 11th, 2008
Artist moved by flamingo’s plight
Australian artist auctions work for bashed bird
In an effort to raise money and awareness for the half-blind, 70-something-year-old greater flamingo that was attacked at Adelaide Zoo at the end of last month, Australian artist Patrick Christie is auctioning the number one print of his most recent work, PINK. Christie’s hand-embossed, limited-edition giclee print features three flamingos.
All proceeds from the auction will go to Adelaide Zoo to benefit the greater flamingo in its recovery and care. Those wishing to bid on the unframed H75cmxH50cm pen and ink on paper print can do so on eBay from 12noon AEST on Friday 14 November 2008. The auction closes 10 days later. The numbered print is hand embossed, signed, and finished with an original detail of a hand drawn flamingo by the artist. Bidders can now view the print on the artist’s website at www.patrickchristieink.com until the end of the auction period.
The attack on Greater 1, as the flamingo is known, occurred on the afternoon of 29 October and nearly killed the bird, according to its handlers. Four youths, aged 17 to 19, were later charged with animal cruelty and remanded to appear in court. Greater 1 suffered serious injury to the beak and head, causing blood to seep into his airway, as well as concussion.
Christie was putting final touches on PINK, his pen and ink drawing of three flamingos, when he heard the first report of the attack on Greater 1. He felt moved to take action to help the bird and raise awareness about responsible interactions with animals.
“The needless pain and grief suffered by Greater 1, and those animals and carers close to him, is very disheartening. As citizens of our natural world, we all have the duty to ensure we interact with every animal in an appropriate and responsible manner. It’s about respecting life. Teaching children to handle all animals with care. Gently stepping in when we see or hear of any animal being mistreated,” said Christie.
Greater 1, the flamingo, continues his rehabilitation at Adelaide Zoo.
“Greater 1 is on the road to recovery,” said Adelaide Zoo CEO Dr Chris West. “Initially losing weight and not eating, the keepers at Adelaide Zoo closely monitored him, concerned with his loss of weight. Over the last few days he has started to eat regularly, again preening himself and appearing comfortable back in his home with his friend the Chilean Flamingo,” said Dr West.
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Media Enquiries:
Belinda Redman
Adelaide Zoo
Director Communications and Partnerships
Email: bredman@zoossa.com.au
Telephone: 08 8267 3255
Christopher Totten
Patrick Christie Ink
Communications Manager
Email: christopher@patrickchristieink.com
Mobile: 0405 990 646