2 hours ago
3
Zookeepers in Cornwall are investigating a sighting of a flamingo more than 100 miles away in Brittany that they believe could be their escaped bird, Frankie.
The four-month-old female flamingo took flight on 2 November, despite having her feathers clipped, from the walled garden at Paradise Park near Hayle.
Sightings were reported later near Porthtowan, about 13 miles away.
But more than a week since she went missing, the park is looking into credible sightings of Frankie on the French coast, more than 100 miles away across the Channel.
Paradise Park said in a statement: “We are letting you know that there have been sightings of a flamingo on the coast of Brittany in France.
“There is a population of greater flamingos in southern France, and the young birds look very similar to Frankie, but we believe we can see the feathers on the right wing have been clipped. We are awaiting more photos to help confirm if it is Frankie.
“Flamingos are capable of flying that distance, but we still feel amazed to see she has travelled so far also relieved to see her looking so fit. She has found a wonderful, protected estuary system and should be able to feed.”
The park shared a couple of images of the flamingo seen in Brittany but said it was keeping an “open mind just in case it is not her”.
Frankie hatched on 1 July 2025, the first flamingo chick to hatch on the nest and be reared by its parents at Paradise Park.
The Caribbean flamingo is known for its long legs and neck and distinctive pink plumage. Their legs let them wade in deep water and they filter their food of algae and shrimp out of the mud, which is what gives them their pink colouring. They can live until the age of 40.
Anyone who believes they have spotted Frankie and has photos or video can contact the park on 01736 753365 or [email protected].
