The world's oldest flamingo aged 83 was put to sleep today in Australia due to deteriorating health.
The greater flamingo was put down at Adelaide Zoo this morning after the bird's quality of life had significantly deteriorated due to complications associated with old age.
Known as Greater, the flamingo, whose sex is unknown, arrived at the zoo in 1933 but records are not clear whether it came from Cairo or Hamburg Zoo, the AAP news agency reported.
"Greater is best known for being the world's oldest flamingo and the last greater flamingo to have resided in Australia," Elaine Bensted, chief executive of the zoo, was quoted as saying.
"When Greater's physical health started to deteriorate last year, our veterinary team began a course of anti-inflammatory pain medication to ensure Greater's comfort. Greater responded well to treatment and remarkably survived the cold winter," she said.
But the flamingo took a turn for the worse this week when it was decided to humanely put it to sleep.
A memorial to Greater, who was almost blind, may be erected near the heritage listed flamingo pond.
Greater is survived by Chilly, a Chilean flamingo, who is now Australia's only remaining flamingo.
The average lifespan of Flamingos in captivity, according to experts, is over 60 years.
