Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/flight-attendant-flamingos/
In a remarkable display of quick thinking and compassion, an Alaska Airlines flight attendant named Amber became an unlikely hero for six Chilean flamingo eggs during a routine flight from Atlanta to Seattle.
This extraordinary event unfolded when a zoo official on board faced a critical situation as the incubator failed, putting the precious cargo at risk.
Flight attendant Amber faced a unique challenge when six rare flamingo eggs were at risk. With no incubator and time running out, she had to think fast.
Mid-Flight Crisis Turns into a Wildlife Rescue
The drama began when Amber responded to a passenger’s urgent request for assistance. The passenger, a zoo official, was transporting the eggs from Zoo Atlanta to Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo, reports People. With the incubator malfunctioning, the eggs’ survival hung in the balance.
Amber, leveraging her decade of experience as a flight attendant, sprang into action, the New York Post reports, utilizing rubber gloves filled with warm water to create an improvised incubator. Fellow passengers also contributed, offering coats and scarves for additional insulation.
Amber and her Alaska Airlines crew’s persistent care throughout the flight, including regularly replacing the cooling gloves, ensured the eggs remained at a viable temperature. Human ingenuity and compassion took precedent in the face of unforeseen challenges.
The eggs were being transported from Zoo Atlanta to Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo.
A Joyous Reunion and Recognition
Months after the incident, Amber was invited to meet the fruits of her labor – the hatched flamingo chicks, including one named Sunny, after her granddaughter. As the Hindustan Times reports, this heartwarming reunion at Woodland Park Zoo was not just a celebration of new life but also a testament to Amber’s dedication and quick thinking.
The eggs successfully hatched into healthy flamingo chicks after the flight.
The Legacy of a Mid-Air Rescue
The successful hatching of these flamingos marks a significant milestone for Woodland Park Zoo, being the first for this species since 2016, KOMO reports. This incident not only highlights the importance of wildlife conservation but also showcases the impact of human empathy and resourcefulness in critical situations. The flamingos, now part of the zoo’s flock, will serve as ambassadors for their species, promoting conservation efforts and the protection of wildlife.
Amber’s actions aboard that Alaska Airlines flight serve as a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make, even in the most unexpected circumstances. Her story is a beacon of hope and a call to action for all of us to be ready to help, not just our fellow humans but all living beings, in their time of need.
Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
