Buzz
After accidentally colliding with a hotel window on the island of Curaçao, the flamingo was cared for by a local veterinarian and later became an education ambassador on the island.
Meeting the 'flamingo ambassador' in Curaçao
The story of the flamingo ambassador was published by writer Jasper Doest in National Geographic magazine.
According to the author, if you find a flamingo riding in the lap of its owner while driving on the remote island of Curaçao in the Caribbean Sea, don't be too surprised, as that's Bob, the 'star' of Curaçao.
Bob is an ambassador for the local non-profit organization Fundashon Dier en Onderwijs Cariben, where he and his owner, veterinarian Odette Doest, travel around Curaçao and are beloved by the locals.
Ms. Odette Doest recounts establishing a wildlife sanctuary specializing in caring for injured animals, including Bob the flamingo – who flew into a hotel window and got injured in 2016.
“Bob seems to feel at ease with us,” Ms. Odette said.
Upon being brought in for care, Bob had an injured leg, which made it difficult for him to forage. He was severely malnourished.
While most animals, after being cared for, are released back into the wild, for Bob, there seemed to be something too special, so Ms. Odette decided to nurture Bob and inspire the islanders about love for animals.
Bob was brought for 'interaction' with students in teaching sessions at schools – an engaging teaching method combining theory and practice. Additionally, Bob was taken to other community venues in Curaçao, providing a rare opportunity for locals to learn more about the native bird life on the island.
“Most students are amazed to get a close look at the towering flamingo amidst their peers in the classroom. Children learn about the natural habitat of flamingos and are advised not to disturb their living space,” Ms. Odette said.
In another event, Ms. Odette mentioned to the producers of the New Day program – recording discussions on daily topics of CBA Television Station – that she could bring a flamingo to the set. They seemed skeptical, thinking it might just be a stuffed or plastic bird.
“The program's executive producer was stunned when Odette brought Bob to the set,” said Jasper Doest, a wildlife photographer who loves capturing images of animals worldwide, to National Geographic.
Jasper Doest proudly shares about his cousin Odette Doest's educational project involving Bob the flamingo.
“For a flamingo just healed from an injury, they typically don't adapt well to human-inhabited environments. But Bob has done more than amazing by becoming a friend to the islanders,” Jasper added.
At the wildlife sanctuary, Bob isn't alone as he lives with two other injured flamingos. Bob is considered the 'big brother' to George, a flamingo injured in the wing by a dog, and another juvenile flamingo affected by an oil spill.
According to Huỳnh Phương/Tuổi trẻ
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourJanuary 31, 2020
