There are six species of flamingos that live in tropical and subtropical regions of North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The Caribbean flamingo is one of the largest and most brightly colored flamingo species. Like all flamingos, they feed with their bills upside-down. They tip their head into the water and filter feed, using special adaptations in the top half of their bill, to gather the microorganisms that make up their diet. Flamingos are not born with their beautiful pink plumage. Their color comes from the carotenoid pigments they consume as part of their diet. Some scientists believe that a flamingo's success in breeding relies on its bright color.

In January of 2019, nearly 2,000 Lesser flamingos were rescued from the Kamfers Dam in South Africa. SeaWorld aviculturists traveled to South Africa to help in the rescue efforts, where they spent 3 weeks helping care for and feed hundreds of flamingo chicks.