There's a beach in Aruba where you can swim with flamingos
First there were swimming pigs, now there are swimming flamingos
First there were swimming pigs, now there are swimming flamingos
Pink flamingos have been taking over Instagram feeds this year in the form of luxury inflatables, but now you can get a photo with the real deal by visiting a hotel-owned private island in Aruba in the Caribbean.
Originally spotted by the , the owns a 40-acre , which guests can visit and the hotel describes as: "Aruba's only private beaches, reserved exclusively for guests of the resort. After a brief ride aboard a complimentary water taxi, your island greets you with open arms."
The island consists of two beaches — one being Flamingo Beach — but this luxurious island also features chaise lounges for sunbathing, a children's playground, water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and sailing cruises.
Sadly, according to the Metro, there is a dark side to this seemingly magical island. Unlike wild flamingos, the flamingos that inhabit this beach don't migrate and stay on all year round.
The website reports that according to , some visitors claimed that the flamingos have had their wings clipped to stop them from flying away. The Renaissance Resort & Casino have yet to comment.
If you want to meet a flamingo in an ethical and cruelty-free way, you're better off visiting islands such as the Galapagos, where the birds are protected in their natural environment.