There is plenty of new life to spot at Longleat this Bank Holiday weekend, with seven Chilean flamingo chicks already hatched and more expected in the coming days.
The Wiltshire estate has enjoyed something of a baby boom during 2026, with the flamingo chicks joining a pair of rare Amur tiger cubs, a red panda cub and two capybara pups – the first to be born at Longleat.
The flamingo chicks are currently a long way from the bright pink appearance of their parents. Newly hatched chicks are white, with their distinctive colouring developing as they grow.
Darren Beasley, Head of Animal Operations at Longleat, said: “It’s fantastic to have more new arrivals to round off the summer season.
“We’ve seen lots of success in our breeding programmes this year, and there’s no better year to do so than the 60th anniversary of the Drive-Through Safari.”
Visitors may also be able to catch a glimpse of the two Amur tiger cubs during a visit.
The twins have now opened their eyes and are becoming increasingly adventurous, with the youngsters beginning to explore their surroundings more independently.
They may be seen in the outside paddock next to the tiger house, where their mother Yana is helping them discover the world around them.
Their older sisters Heidi, Seeka and Dora-Boo will also be out enjoying Tiger Territory Drive-Through.
There is more excitement in the red panda enclosure, where Longleat’s eight-week-old cub is beginning to develop the species’ familiar red colouring.
Mum Emma has been moving the youngster between different nest boxes, and more curious visitors may be lucky enough to spot the cub venturing outside.
A recent health check has also revealed that the cub is a boy. Keepers are now waiting to find the right name for the latest addition to Longleat’s red panda family.
With the flamingo chicks arriving as the summer draws to a close, Longleat’s 60th anniversary year is proving to be quite a memorable one for its animal residents – and there should be plenty for visitors to look out for during the Bank Holiday weekend.
Tickets and further information are available from Longleat’s website.
