A flamingo that escaped from a wildlife park in Cornwall has surprised caretakers by making its way to France, over 100 miles away. The adventurous bird, known as Frankie, fled from Paradise Park in Hayle, only to be found on the coast of Brittany. Staff at the sanctuary expressed amazement and relief upon seeing Frankie in good health following her unexpected journey.
Despite having her feathers trimmed to prevent extensive flight, Frankie managed to escape on November 2, initially being sighted near Porthtowan before briefly returning to Hayle later that day. Approximately a week later, the daring flamingo was reportedly seen in north-west France, sustaining minor injuries but surviving the ordeal.
Paradise Park shared the news on social media, noting similarities between the escaped flamingo and the local Greater Flamingo population in Southern France. The park acknowledged the feat of Frankie covering such a distance, emphasizing their gratitude for her well-being in a new environment.
While acknowledging the natural flying capabilities of flamingos, the park expressed astonishment at Frankie’s successful journey and their hope for her continued thriving in her newfound habitat. The park’s spokesperson mentioned Frankie’s discovery of a safe estuary area for feeding and the uncertainty of bringing her back to the UK due to the challenging logistics involved.
Director Nick Reynolds conceded the slim chances of repatriating Frankie, suggesting that integrating her into a colony of greater flamingos in south-west France might be the most favorable outcome for the beloved bird at present.