when it comes to flamingos, Bermuda has an open-door policy.

Twenty-four of the spindle-legged creatures flew to the Island three weeks ago aboard a private jet.

The Bahamas-born birds -- all chicks aged between three and four months -- were brought in by the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo. They replace 28 flamingos flown to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) earlier this summer to replenish its flamingo population.

Bermuda went to the help of BVI after its flamingo population was hunted to extinction. BVI's plea for assistance was made to the Bermuda Zoo on the basis of its reputation as the first place to successfully breed flamingos in captivity.

"We got (the flamingos from Bahamas) because Bermuda's success in rearing them is internationally recognised,'' Zoo curator Mr. Jack Ward said.

The flamingos flew in aboard a private jet owned by BVI resident Dr. Henry Jarecki, who owns one of two islands where the Bermuda flamingos have been transplanted.

Although the two exchanges were not officially connected, Dr. Jarecki agreed to loan his plane for the Bahamas-Bermuda flamingo flight. Mr. Ward said the direct flight was good for the birds because it helped reduce stress. No losses were suffered in transit.

Yesterday, he said the chicks appeared to be settling in well. They began eating their first night on the Island.

Their quarantine should end within the next two weeks when they will join the Island's long-established flock of flamingos.

Local officials are hoping the new birds will bring one benefit to the Zoo's flock -- new genes to enrich the narrowing local pool.

Bermuda has been breeding flamingos in captivity for 24 consecutive years and zookeeper Mr. Peter Stephens has concerns they could weaken.

"We've had this stock so long we run the risk of in-breeding,'' he said.

"These new birds will get a new gene pool going.'' Genetic variability, he said, keeps the flamingos healthy.

The flamingos live for about 40 years and reach maturity at four years of age.

They mate around April and May and lay their eggs in June.

Because the weather conditions are right in Bermuda, the birds breed every year. In the wild, flamingos would probably breed every other year.

The Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo has exported flamingos to other zoos in the past, but the BVI programme is the first time it has been involved in a re-introduction programme.

WELCOME TO BERMUDA -- Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo curator Mr. Jack Ward holds one of the new baby flamingos yesterday.