Como Zoo Flamingo Dies of Cancer

The Como Zoo in St. Paul is mourning the loss of a long-time resident. Harriet, a 47-year-old Caribbean Flamingo, was euthanized last week, ending her long battle with cancer.

The flamingo was a fixture at Como Zoo for 39 years. Harriet survived battles with cancer, as well as radiation treatments, dating back to 1998 when her right middle toe was amputated due to cancerous growth. In 2002, cancer returned and Harriet's left middle toe had to be amputated.

The Como Zoo says the flamingo was so accustomed to making trips to the University of Minnesota for radiation treatment that she would often sit quietly on the lap of a zookeeper with her head peering out the vehicle window.

Standing on one leg is the flamingo’s most comfortable resting position and in her final days, Harriet had difficulty standing on her right foot, along with weight loss and a poor appetite. Blood-work showed that she had a systemic infection as well as heart issues.

The life span of a flamingo is 20-30 years, although 50 years is not unusual. In 2008 a new baby

Harriet is survived by her longtime flamingo partner, Ozzie, four additional Caribbean flamingos and 13 Chilean flamingos.