FLAMINGO feeding ADVENTURE

SCHEDULE: Open select days May 27-September 2, 2024
TIMES: 10:15 AM; 11:15 AM; 12:15 PM; 2:15 PM 
COST: $100 for 1 to 5 participants
LOCATION: The Swamp

On this Adventure, you and your friends and family will get to mingle with the flamingos. You will learn how flamingos feed, what they eat and many interesting facts. And of course, you will assist staff with feeding the flamingos. The care staff will provide you with instructions on how to safely feed the birds and walk around the flock. Based on weather, you may be feeding the flamingos outside or inside.

Please note, Zoo admission and parking are not included in the Flamingo Feeding Adventure price.

Click here for Flamingo Feeding Adventure Waiver, FAQs, and Info

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ADVENTURE INFORMATION

Age: Participants must be at least 8 years old. A parent or adult guardian must accompany participants under the age of 17. Please ensure you are putting the correct birthdate for each participant. Children under the age of 8 cannot participate in this Adventure. If a participant is not at least 8 years old, they may be refused participation and forfeit their registration fee.
Maximum Group Size: Each adventure is limited to five participants. (The cost for the Adventure is $100 total for one to five participants. It is the same cost, so you might as well bring your friends!) 
Pictures: To keep the animals comfortable and to ensure the safety of all involved, we do not allow camera or cell phone use during Backstage Adventures. While you are in the habitat, if you wish family members or friends will be able to take pictures for you from the guest areas located in front of the habitat. No photos can be taken in any non-public area.
Meeting Area: An animal care specialist will meet you at the public entrance of Swamp house at the sign that reads “Your Backstage Adventure Meets Here” promptly at 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m. Please make sure to come at your registered time and stay near the meeting area. An animal care specialist will be with you shortly to guide you to the flock. We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before the adventure begins in order to ensure you make your appointment.
You must be on time: Since you will be participating with a scheduled public feeding, this Adventure must start on time. If you are late, the adventure will proceed without you. Participants that do not show up for their registered session or choose to leave early will not be granted a refund.
Refund Policy: Refunds are only available 14 calendar days before the program date and there will be a non-refundable 25% deposit for each program. Please be aware that though it is rare, Backstage Adventures can be cancelled by Brookfield Zoo Chicago at any time due to animal welfare, dangerous weather, or staff needs. If your program is cancelled, you will be contacted with as much notice as possible to schedule another date for your adventure. Please note that due to the great diversity of bird species here at Brookfield Zoo Chicago and their wide variety of needs, especially as the seasons change, the birds pictured in this packet are not guaranteed to be part of your Backstage Adventure program.

WHAT TO EXPECT

 

• First, you will meet your animal care specialist at the entrance for The Swamp and they will guide you to the flock.
• As the flamingos come to feed, you will not only get to hobnob with these graceful birds but also learn about their behaviors, interesting facts on how they feed and what they chomp on. It's a wonderful experience for the whole family as well as a great way to connect personally to the flamingos while learning about the importance of protecting them.
• At the end of the Adventure, after the flamingo have their fill, you will bid them farewell and exit the habitat with staff. The care staff will answer any additional questions you have as they guide you back to the public area of the building.
• Communication between you and the host care staff is crucial. You must be able to read, speak, and understand English without the use of an interpreter. If you are unable to participate in the program without an interpreter, please call (708) 688-8338.
• You must be attentive. Although our birds regularly work with their human caregivers, they are still wild animals and their behavior is unpredictable. It is important that you pay close attention to the guidance and instructions of the animal care specialist you are spending the morning with. Never enter any animal area without direction from the care staff. Always wait for instructions and authorization from the staff before approaching any of the animals while participating in observation, care and enrichment, and feeding sessions. Participants must be able to maneuver within the habitat.
• All participants are required to complete a signed liability waiver.