A FLAMINGO model at Birdworld will be auctioned off to raise funds for the animal's conservation.

Ken the flamingo is a life-size model painted in the 'world's pinkest pink', a colour from British artist Stuart Semple, also known for creating Black 2.0 the 'blackest black' paint.

Standing at 1.1 metres, the statue debuted at the family attraction on April 25, National Flamingo Day, to celebrate the birds.

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Basingstoke Gazette: Ken the flamingo sculpture

Mandy Glass, team leader of conservation education at Birdworld, said: “Flamingos around the world are facing decline, with four of the six species becoming a conservation concern due to human disturbance of their feeding and breeding grounds.

"We introduced Ken to Birdworld not only to raise vital funds for these magnificent birds but also to address the frequently asked question: 'Why are flamingos so pink?'"

Mandy explained that flamingos are hatched white, acquiring their pink colour from their diet of shrimp, plankton and algae, which contain pigments that dye their feathers.

She added: "As the chicks grow, they gradually become pinker, reaching their brightest hue when fully grown - the pinkest of pinks!"

The sculpture will go to an open auction later this year.

Marketing manager Woodies Wheeler-Bennett said: "The team have had a brilliant time welcoming Ken to the flock.

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"Although we are sure his new flamingo friends would be disappointed to say goodbye, we are excited to raise vital funds for flamingo conservation through the upcoming auction.

“More information on the auction will be announced soon, but in the meantime, please come visit Birdworld and see Ken for yourself before he flies off to his new home."

The statue coincides with the launch of Birdworld's 'Love and Colour' attraction featuring a range of colourful birds, murals, and play areas for young children.