Flamingo's Incredible Cross-Channel Flight
Zookeepers in Cornwall are investigating remarkable sightings of a flamingo on the French coast, which they believe could be their escaped bird, Frankie. The four-month-old female Caribbean flamingo took flight from Paradise Park near Hayle on 2 November 2025, despite having her wing feathers clipped to prevent such escapes.
From Cornwall to France: Frankie's Journey
Initial sightings placed Frankie near Porthtowan, approximately 13 miles from her home at Paradise Park. However, more than a week after her disappearance, credible reports emerged of a flamingo sighted over 100 miles away in Brittany, France, across the English Channel.
Paradise Park released a statement acknowledging the extraordinary development: "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."
Hope and Caution as Search Continues
While expressing amazement at the distance Frankie has travelled, park officials are maintaining an open mind. They've shared images of the flamingo spotted in France but emphasise they're awaiting additional photographs to confirm whether it's definitely their missing bird.
The park added: "Flamingos are capable of flying that distance, but we still feel amazed to see she has travelled so far and relieved to see her looking so fit. She has found a wonderful, protected estuary system and should be able to feed."
Frankie represents a special success story for Paradise Park, having hatched on 1 July 2025 as the first flamingo chick to both hatch on the nest and be reared by its parents at the sanctuary.
Caribbean flamingos are known for their distinctive pink plumage, which develops from their diet of algae and shrimp. These remarkable birds can live up to 40 years in the wild.
Paradise Park is appealing to anyone who spots Frankie, particularly those with photographs or video evidence, to contact them immediately on 01736 753365 or via email at info@paradisepark.org.uk.
