Do the Pink Flamingo Limp?

Overview

Objectives/Goals The purpose of this project was to be able to determine if the flamingo exhibit at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo needs heaters covering the area during the colder months due to what is characterized as "seasonal limping". Methods/Materials The first component to my project was to arrange several weeks to meet with the veterinarians, trainers, and employees at the education department at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. I spent a few weeks observing the American Flamingos then started my project. I spent at least one hour for 3 days a week for 25 days in which I charted the temperature, humidity, and precipitation of each day. I collected information on which flamingos were limping each day. I looked at each flamingo individually in order to receive my data. I also charted down the leg each flamingo was limping on. For any other information, I placed it in the notes column. Results "Seasonal limping" in the American flamingos can be correlated to temperature and precipitation but not humidity. The temperature in the San Joaquin Valley is usually moderate but is lower during the colder months. These months include December, January, and February. The lower the temperature, the more flamingos limp. There was not a close relationship between the American Flamingos limping and the Humidity. The Humidity varied because of multiple factors, and could not be matched to seasonal limping in the higher or lower humidity percentages. The higher the precipitation, the more flamingos limped. It seemed there were more flamingos limping the higher the precipitation. Also, during the colder months in the San Joaquin Valley, the temperature is usually lower when there is higher precipitation Conclusions/Discussion From this observation I can conclude, #seasonal limping# in the American Flamingos at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo can be correlated to temperature and precipitation but not humidity. I can also conclude it would benefit the flamingos to have a heated system over their habitat but is not necessary due to the lack of extreme low temperatures in the San Joaquin Valley.

Competition history

• CSEF 2012 Zoology · Entry S2205

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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