The Pink of Health - Rethinking Flamingo Welfare

Our definition of animal welfare has evolved over the years.  It used to be taken for granted that, if an animal can be kept alive, in reasonably good health, and ideally breeding, the welfare must be ok.  In recent years, however, our standards have risen, and we continue to re-evaluate these standards.  Surviving isn't good enough - an animal can be kept alive for much longer than its natural lifespan even in suboptimal conditions.  The goal should be thriving.

We Don't Talk About Flamingos: Why Do Flamingos in Human Care Remain Such a Challenge?

I really enjoyed this article I cam across by Christopher Benjamin Kent, examining the welfare of one of the most common groups of birds in zoos.  Flamingos are a group of birds that, historically, we all seemed to think did just fine... with a few caveats.  One of those was that they were prone to foot issues, but the prevailing lore was that bumblefoot was just something one had to accept as a fact of life in caring for these birds, one to be treated as needed but largely inescapable.  Kent calls that into question, inviting the reader to consider how the natural history of these birds is at odds with their usual exhibit design, and how that leads to foot issues which can compromise their health and welfare.

Flamingos are a great case study, because they're a group of birds so widely held in zoos around the world.  It makes one consider what other welfare problems have been out there for far too long which we've all taken for granted that we just have to deal with... but which could, with some critical thinking and fresh insight, be addressed.