A flamingo named Frankie has surprised caretakers by traveling over 100 miles from a wildlife park in Cornwall to France. Frankie, who escaped from Paradise Park in Hayle, was found in Brittany, France, much to the amazement and relief of the park staff who were pleased to see the bird in good health following her unexpected journey.
Despite having her feathers clipped to prevent long flights, Frankie managed to escape on November 2, briefly returning to Hayle before being spotted in north-west France a week later. Paradise Park confirmed the sightings in a social media post, noting that Frankie had sustained minor injuries but appeared to be doing well.
Although flamingos are capable of flying such distances, the park expressed astonishment at Frankie’s successful journey and gratitude for her well-being. They observed that while there are Greater Flamingos in Southern France resembling Frankie, they could identify her by the clipped feathers on her right wing.
While acknowledging the challenge of bringing Frankie back to the UK, the park’s director, Nick Reynolds, acknowledged the slim likelihood of her return. He mentioned the hope that Frankie would integrate with a colony of greater flamingos in south-west France as the best current option for the beloved bird.
The team at Paradise Park continues to monitor Frankie’s situation, hoping she thrives in her new environment.
