JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The population of flamingos in Florida is on the rise!

These vibrant birds had nearly vanished from the state by the 1940s and 50s due to hunters seeking their feathers for fashion accessories like hats.

In August 2023, Hurricane Idalia altered the course of migrating flamingos, dispersing them throughout the eastern United States. Now, it seems they may have found a permanent home in Florida.

“This past year, we observed a flock of over 120 flamingos consistently staying in South Florida,” shared Danielle Minkus, a senior bird care specialist at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. “In previous years, the numbers ranged from 90 to 100, so it’s clear that more flamingos are choosing to remain here annually.”

Though hurricanes occasionally send flamingos towards the southern United States, their prolonged settlement appears to be limited to Florida.

“This is their natural habitat,” said Minkus. “They want to be hanging out in the Everglades, places with water that are real marshy and swampy. That’s where their food is located. It’s a great nesting ground for them, so this is where they want to be.”

Could flamingos one day make the First Coast their home?

“We’re seeing them slowly creep further and further north,” said Minkus. “They just haven’t made it all the way up to Jacksonville yet.”

And when asked if she thinks wild flamingos will live in Jacksonville one day, Minkus said, “It is possible. We don’t have any wild flamingos here in Jacksonville right now, but you can see them here at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens.”

So, you’re saying there’s a chance!