Thousands of flamingos take flight at the newly-opened flamingo sanctuary at Airoli on Sunday. Pics/Datta Kumbhar

After the much-touted Humboldt penguins, the city has now turned its attention to flamingos. And from Monday, the flamingos of Thane creek will just be a boat ride away as forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar on Sunday inaugurated the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, the second such marine sanctuary in the state. To sweeten the deal, on the first day, tourists will be granted free entry. Alongside, children from a couple of municipal schools will also get a free field trip to the sanctuary.