Two pink flamingos who lost their way during migration were rescued in the Altai Mountains

The weakened birds were found in the Choysky district of the Altai Republic. Alexey Kuzhlekov, a researcher at the Saylyugemsky National Park, and Alexander Yarygin, a public inspector for the treatment of animals, a veterinarian at the Manzherok ski complex, delivered the birds in trouble to Gorno-Altaysk for temporary overexposure. The flamingos were fed, warmed and sent to the Barnaul Zoo. This was announced on its website by the Roszapovedcenter of the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia.

"The birds were discovered on Sunday by local residents who were returning home in the evening and noticed silhouettes of unusual large birds near the road. One was flapping its wings, the other was already weak and almost lying down. By the evening, the frost began and the flamingos began to freeze. Residents brought birds to the farm in a warm room, because it was obvious that it was impossible to leave southern birds in the cold," said Alexander Yarygin, whose words are quoted in the message.

Despite minor injuries, the condition of the birds is assessed by veterinarians as satisfactory.

Experts have suggested that most likely, the birds lost their way during migration, possibly during a recent hurricane in the region.

"Many thanks to the locals for caring. If the birds had stayed in the cold a little longer, they would have died. The birds were lucky to be near the settlement. We always advise not to raise baby chicks in the spring, not to carry the chicks home, and in winter birds and animals always need help. Pink flamingos have been found in Altai before, all of them are migratory individuals who have lost their way," said Alexey Kuzhlekov, quoted by Roszapovedcenter.

The birds were sent to the Barnaul Zoo, which agreed to receive them and provide assistance. Flamingos will be kept in captivity there until the condition of the birds ceases to cause concern among ornithologists, the report says.