Steady your hearts because you’re so not ready for the ball of cuteness that’s about to hit you: an adorable, ultra-cuddly tuft of grey fluff has hatched in Jurong Bird Park and is going on walks around the park.
Wildlife Reserves Singapore
Squish – affectionately named by the animal care staff at Jurong Bird Park’s Breeding and Research Centre for its ‘squish-ability’ – is a two-month-old flamingo who was abandoned as an egg and raised by its human carers since its birth on June 7.
To develop strength in its growing legs, Squish goes on short outdoor walks to exercise fitted with – cue the awws – a pair of shiny blue booties. These custom-made shoes protect Squish’s delicate foot pads from hard ground surfaces as he enjoys some fun in the sun with his keeper.
When Squish isn’t out and about, it spends its time in the weaning room learning to feed on its own, in preparation for its introduction to the 300-strong waterfoal flock at the park’s Flamingo Lake when it turns three months old.
Watch Squish take its daily walk on Wildlife Reserves Singapore Facebook page:
Fun fact: Baby Greater Flamingos are generally whitish-grey in colour when they are born and gradually acquire their characteristic pink plumage at around two years of age – thanks to their diet of shrimps, small crustaceans and algae.
Cross your fingers for a chance to bump into Squish on its daily outdoor walks at Jurong Bird Park.