FLAMINGO CHICKS MEAN FLUFFY FUN AT SAN DIEGO ZOO

Four baby birds now, with more on the way

Most people who visit the San Diego Zoo are familiar with the lush flamingo exhibit on the front plaza with its gorgeous pink birds strutting through the water on stilt-like legs. But there's a different feel to the exhibit right now; many of the birds --- both moms and dads --- are sitting on their mud nests keeping eggs warm, while others are following around fluffy gray chicks learning to walk and swim with those long, long legs.

"This is an exciting time to visit the San Diego Zoo, the time of year when our flamingos are hatching," said Dave Rimlinger, the San Diego Zoo's curator of birds. "We have four so far, and expect four to six more."

The San Diego Zoo is home to more than 100 flamingos. The four new chicks are between three and 10 days old. More eggs are expected to hatch within the next few weeks.