Encounter with the Unique, Urban Flamingos at Tampa Airport
Travelers passing through Tampa International Airport often take a double take. There, in the heart of the bustling airport terminal, is a flock of flamingos. They are not a mirage. Smoothly-kept and captivatingly-pink, these flamingos tend to steal the heart of every passerby.
Getting to Know the Flamingo Exhibit
The audacious display of flamingos at the airport prides itself on being a slice of wildlife in an urban backdrop. It hosts six exotic flamingos. They are not just regular American flamingos but the rare, South African breed called Lesser Flamingos. Ensconced in the heart of Tampa Airport’s terminal, this enclosure serves as a small oasis. The setting is mellifluous, with a placid, crystal-clear brook and a grassy patch, allowing visitors to have a worthwhile pause in their travel itinerary.
Details of the Enclosure
Exactingly constructed at the airport, the enclosure emulates the flamingo’s natural habitat. Denver’s International Airport was the beacon of inspiration for this stunning enclosure. Tampa Airport’s enclosure boasts of its patent blue and green hue, blending seamlessly with the airport’s tasteful architecture.
How the Flamingo Encounter Came To Be
In an inventive collaboration, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo partnered with the airport authorities. Their aim was simple and fresh – bringing an experience usually reserved for theme parks and nature reserves directly to the airport terminal. This remarkable step ensures the continual safety and wellbeing of these flamingos. This is done by adhering to strict health standards and scheduling regular check-ups with the Lowry Park Zoo veterinarians.
The Care for the Flamingos
Caring for these exotic flamingos is no small task. Caregivers feed the flamingos a diet that mimics their native food items. This includes algae, diatoms, small aquatic insects, and crustaceans. This specialized diet, coupled with a serene habitat, helps the flamingos maintain their distinctive pink coloration.
Lifetime Residents of Tampa Airport
These flamingos are not mere seasonal visitors – they proudly are lifetime residents of Tampa Airport. After their successful acclimation, they found a permanent abode in the heart of the busy terminal. Their quaint presence continually mesmerizes visitors, without creating any inconvenience to the busy flight schedule.
Greater Than Just an Exhibit
This innovative display is more than just an airport attraction – it serves an educational purpose. It encourages airport guests to learn more about this unique species and their distinctive habitats. Having them at the airport perfectly syncs with the drive of providing a superior travel experience for all. It adds an inspirational layer of wildlife awareness while boosting the charm of Tampa Airport.
The Public’s Response
The public reaction to the flamingo exhibit has been overwhelmingly positive. Travelers, habitually grappling with the stress and monotony of regular air travel, enjoy this vibrant and educational diversion. The flamingos have become a beloved sight for both tourists and locals alike, subsequently giving Tampa International airport a unique appeal compared to other airports.
No trip to or through Tampa Airport is complete without a visit to its flamingo exhibit. So, next time you find yourself within the sleek halls of Tampa International, remember to take a moment, find the flamingos, marvel at their exquisite beauty, and learn a bit about these extraordinary birds.