A U.S. zoo joins Peru effort to save flamingos

(VIDEO: KCNC, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, CNN via CNN Newsource) —

The Denver Zoo is collaborating with researchers in Peru to protect flamingo populations and their habitats.

This initiative aims to monitor and conserve Chilean flamingos in Lake Junín, which is a large lake in Peru where the birds are classified as Near Threatened due to illegal egg collection, poaching, pollution, and mining.

"One of the really exciting discoveries has been, we have documented, for the first time in 10 years, nesting flamingos and successful hatching of chicks, which is a really important documentation," Matt Herbert, regional conservation director for Latin America, told KCNC .

This vital documentation enhances the understanding and management of these birds, Herbert said.

At the Denver Zoo