Caribbean flamingos showcasing their vibrant courtship displays at the Stone Zoo during spring.
As spring arrives, Stone Zoo becomes a vibrant destination for families and nature lovers. The Caribbean flamingos showcase their captivating courtship behaviors, while the New England Botanic Gardens features an impressive orchid exhibition. Special events like ‘Orchids After Dark’ enhance the experience, making it a perfect time for community engagement and outdoor enjoyment. Additionally, upcoming attractions such as the wine festival and Caribbean Coast exhibit promise more excitement at the zoo.
As the crisp chill of winter fades, our beautiful city is awakening with the vibrant sights and sounds of spring. The refreshing transition is signaled by more than just warmer weather; the clocks have changed, giving us that extra daylight after work, which adds a joyful bounce in our steps. And where better to soak in the season’s spirit than at the Stone Zoo? This year, the zoo has become a hotspot for spring enthusiasts, showcasing the enchanting courtship behavior of its lively Caribbean flamingos.
March has a reputation as the love month for flamingos—at least that’s how the locals see it! These magnificent birds are busy putting on a show, with male flamingos engaging in a fascinating behavior known as “flagging.” In this lively performance, males bob their heads back and forth, radiating charm in an effort to attract their feathered mates. While male flamingos are generally larger than their female counterparts, spotting the difference can be a bit tricky!
To make things easier, the zoo employs blood testing to identify the sexes of their feathered friends. Males proudly sport green bands, while the ladies flaunt yellow bands on their legs. This unique method provides visitors with a wonderful opportunity to observe flamingos up close in a warm pool area, heated to a cozy 50-55 degrees—a perfect spot to spend an afternoon!
Families visiting the zoo can’t help but revel in the delightful atmosphere, where laughter mingles with the chirping of birds. One visitor expressed how the experience reminds her of nature’s stunning beauty, just as the first crocuses begin to peek through in the New England Botanic Gardens. This time of year, the gardens are proudly featuring the “Pixels + Petals, An Orchid Exhibition,” showcasing an impressive 2,000 orchid plants until March 23. The vibrant colors and unusual shapes are sure to dazzle visitors of all ages, making their way to the exhibit a must!
As if that weren’t enough, the gardens host special “Orchids After Dark” events every Friday and Saturday until March 19. Guests can delight in refreshing beverages, light bites, and live music while meandering through the beautiful displays. This particular exhibition has become a favored spot for engagements, captivating many with its stunning array of plant species and their incredible adaptations. People like Anne O’Sullivan find it to be a lovely distraction from the noise of everyday life, excited to learn about unique varieties such as the bee orchid while basking in the atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the excitement doesn’t stop at the zoo and gardens; local residents are buzzing about their own gardens as well! Many are thrilled to report that their bulbs are beginning to bloom, adding a splash of color to their yards and smiles to their faces. With crystal-clear sunrises and sunsets becoming the norm, locals are taking advantage of the beautiful weather by sailing in Boston Harbor, celebrating the arrival of spring in style.
And don’t forget to mark your calendars! The Stone Zoo is preparing for an exciting wine festival on March 8, 2025, where visitors can enjoy over 80 wines and scrumptious gourmet food all set against the backdrop of zoo wildlife. Not to mention, the highly anticipated Caribbean Coast exhibit is on the horizon, featuring a $4 million investment to create a unique walk-through aviary with not just flamingos, but much more. Guests will have the chance to feed the flamingos and learn all about Caribbean biodiversity in this one-of-a-kind experience that will be unmatched anywhere in New England.
With private donations supporting the project, including valuable contributions from StonehamBank, the zoo continues to enhance its offerings to the community. So swing by the Stone Zoo this spring and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of flamingos, orchids, and all the breathtaking beauty that nature has to offer!
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