Missing flamingo that escaped from Cornwall park ‘spotted’ in France

A flamingo that escaped from a wildlife reserve in Cornwall has been spotted on the north-west coast of France, leaving keepers baffled.

Frankie, a young female flamingo living at Paradise Park near Hayle, has been confirmed alive and well; The staff expressed both surprise at his journey and relief at his situation.

His escape took place on Sunday, November 2, when he managed to fly despite having his feathers cut off.

Initial sightings placed it near Porthtowan, approximately 13 miles away, before it was observed again at Hayle the same afternoon.

Just over a week later, Frankie is believed to have been spotted in France.

Park said on social media: “A flamingo was seen on the coast of Brittany, France.

“There is a population of Greater Flamingo in southern France that is very similar to Frankie, but we believe we can see the feathers on the right wing being clipped.”

In an additional post, he continued: “Flamingos have the ability to fly this distance, but we are still amazed to see it travel this far and relieved to see it looking so fit.

“He’s found a great, protected estuary system and he needs to be able to feed. We’ll update as we learn more.”

Paradise Park manager Nick Reynolds said how to get Frankie home was “the million-dollar question”.

“The reality of getting him back to England is very, very slim,” he said.

“We don’t know what to do.”

Mr Reynolds, meanwhile, added that he hoped Frankie would find a larger flamingo colony in south-west France, describing it as “the best thing possible right now” as he figures out how to bring the sanctuary’s adorable daughter home.