• Over 250 chicks of greater flamingos separated from their flock and stuck in mud at a breeding colony in Great Rann of Kutch (GRK) were rescued and reunited with their flock
• The nesting colony is on the periphery of Kutch Desert Sanctuary.

Great Rann of Kutch

• It is a salt marsh in the Thar Desert in the Kutch District of Gujarat, India.
• It is about 7500 km2 (2900 sq miles) in the area and is reputed to be one of the  largest salt deserts in the world
• The area of Rann of Kutch has been inhabited by the Kutchi people
• The Great Rann of Kutch together with the Little Rann of Kutch is called Rann of Kutch
• During summer monsoon, the flat desert of salty clay and mudflats, which average 15 meters above sea level, fills with standing water
• It is one of the hottest areas of India – with summer temperatures averaging and peaking at 49.5 °C. Winter temperatures reduce dramatically and can go below 0 °C

Greater flamingos

• It is the most widespread and largest species of the flamingo family.
• It is found in Africa, on the Indian subcontinent, in the Middle East, and in southern Europe.
• IUCN status: Least Concern
• The greater flamingo is the largest living species of flamingo, averaging 110–150 cm (43–59 in) tall and                 weighing 2–4 kg (4.4–8.8 lb).
• The largest male flamingos have been recorded at up to 187 cm (74 in) tall and 4.5 kg (9.9 lb)
• In India, flamingos can be observed in Gujarat’s the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary,        Flamingo City, and in the Thol Bird Sanctuary.
• They remain there during the entire winter season.