A flamingo by the name of Mango at Victoria Butterfly Gardens recently celebrated his golden jubilee birthday.
Mango has been part of Victoria’s cultural landscape for decades. Originally seized by Canadian authorities after being smuggled from Cuba to Toronto, Mango was brought to Victoria’s iconic Crystal Garden Tropical Conservatory, where he quickly became a fan favourite.
When the conservatory closed in 2004, Mango and his bonded partner, Houdini (another male Caribbean flamingo), were relocated to Victoria Butterfly Gardens. Houdini has since passed away, leaving Mango as the patriarch of his flamingo pad. Though territorial, he welcomes thousands of human visitors each year, offering a glimpse into the beauty and personality of his species.
“Folks who saw him at Crystal Gardens are astonished that he’s still kicking and looking fabulous,” says Travis Budgeon, a horticulturalist who has been looking after Mango for years.
“I interact with him several times a day and always get cuddled before I leave.”
Mango is a Caribbean flamingo (also known as an American flamingo), a species native to the Yucatán Peninsula, northern South America and Caribbean islands. While these birds typically live up to 30 years in the wild, Mango has far surpassed that, making him one of, if not the, oldest living flamingo in the world.
His milestone age is a testament to the dedicated care he receives at Victoria Butterfly Gardens, where staff provide a customized non-slip habitat and a specialized diet to keep him healthy and vibrant. Known for his trumpets, honks and grunts, Mango is more than just a resident, he’s an ambassador for his species and he’s developed a special bond with Budgeon.
“The bond was unexpected and I cherish it,” says Budgeon.
“I’m a horticulturist and an emotional-support human for an elderly flamingo. Best job ever.”
Mango’s story reflects the broader mission of Victoria Butterfly Gardens: providing a haven for rescued and adopted animals, inspiring conservation awareness and offering immersive tropical experiences to visitors of all ages. Victoria Butterfly Gardens is also home to thousands of tropical butterflies, free-flying birds, koi, tortoises and a wide range of rescued animals. Visitors can explore a lush indoor ecosystem filled with tropical plants, waterfalls and unique creatures from around the world. Learn more at butterflygardens.com.
