Mango the Flamingo celebrates 50th birthday at Victoria Butterfly Gardens with public party

The Victoria Butterfly Gardens is hosting a special event later this month to mark the 50th birthday of longtime resident Mango the Flamingo.

Mango’s birthday bash takes place on Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with guests getting a chance to enjoy some flamingo-themed cupcakes from local company Ooh La La Cupcakes, as well as complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and tropical face painting.

There will also be flaming-themed crafts and special “meet the keeper” presentations all for the regular admission price to the gardens on that day.

Watch below:

Mango’s 50th birthday is remarkable, considering the average lifespan for a wild flamingo is about 20 years shy of that.

“While these birds typically live up to 30 years in the wild, Mango has far surpassed that, making him one of, if not THE, oldest living flamingo in the world,” said Butterfly Gardens in a release Wednesday.

“His milestone age is a testament to the dedicated care he receives at Victoria Butterfly Gardens, where staff provide a customized non-slip habitat and a specialized diet to keep him healthy and vibrant.”

See a video of Mango below, courtesy of the Victoria Butterfly Gardens:

Mango was first brought to Vancouver Island after he was seized by Canadian authorities who found him being smuggled from Cuba to Toronto.

He was eventually brought to Crystal Garden Tropical Conservatory in downtown Victoria, but when it closed in 2004, he and his bonded partner – Houdini, another male flamingo – were relocated to Victoria Butterfly Gardens in Central Saanich.

“Houdini has since passed away, leaving Mango as the patriarch of his flamingo pad,” said Butterfly Gardens.

“Known for his trumpets, honks, and grunts, Mango is more than just a resident, he’s an ambassador for his species,” added the tourist site.

Mango is specifically a Caribbean flamingo, also known as an American flamingo, which typically live in the Caribbean islands, northern South America, and the Yucatán Peninsula.

Mango the Flamingo is pictured in August 2025. (Victoria Butterfly Gardens)Mango the Flamingo is pictured in August 2025. (Victoria Butterfly Gardens)Mango the Flamingo is pictured in August 2025. (Victoria Butterfly Gardens)

Butterfly Gardens notes that the senior flamingo has also developed a special bond with horticulturist Travis Budgeon, who works closely with the animal.

“Mango has been a Victoria icon for decades. Folks who saw him at Crystal Gardens are
astonished that he’s still kicking and looking fabulous,” said Budgeon.

“I interact with him several times a day and always get cuddled before I leave. The bond was unexpected, and I cherish it,” he said. “I’m a horticulturist and an emotional-support human for an elderly flamingo. Best job ever.”

Visitors coming to Mango’s 50th birthday party are encouraged to wear pink. More details about his Golden Jubilee can be found on the Victoria Butterfly Gardens website.

The centre is located at 1461 Benvenuto Ave.