Zoo Miami Flamingos Being Moved Ahead Of Construction

MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- There are some wild changes coming for Zoo Miami that'll had the park's flock of flamingos scurrying around Thursday afternoon.

The zoo held a big groundbreaking ceremony Thursday for the zoo's new Florida: Mission Everglades exhibit.

The zoo is also rebuilding the front entrance area and the construction of the new entry requires the flamingos to be moved.

Zoo Miami officials spent the afternoon corralling and catching each of the 38 Caribbean flamingos on their old exhibit so they can be relocated to a secluded area in the zoo's Conservation and Breeding Center for 14 months or so.

"Well today unfortunately is the end of this iconic flamingo exhibit because this front entry area of the zoo is being demolished," said Ron Magill.

A team from the Animal Science department worked closely with staff veterinarians to capture and restrain each of the flamingos so that they can be individually examined and then taken to the off-exhibit area of the zoo where they will remain for approximately the next 14 months.

"I know it's quickly, it's chaotic, but doing it quickly is the safest for the birds," Magill said.

During that time, construction will be taking place on their new exhibit as part of a stunning new front entry.

When completed, the new flamingo exhibit will be located in front of redesigned ticket booths, providing guests with a sneak peak of the animal collection before they officially enter the park.