Frankie, the flamingo who escaped from Paradise Park, Hayle, just over a week ago, has now been confirmed as a French resident, for now, anyway.
Frankie when she was in Paradise Park
Despite reports of local sightings, it seems the bird had flown quickly over the Channel. A sighting was reported on the French national citizen science portal for nature at Île Aganton, on France’s north coast, on the morning of Monday, 3rd November.
“It was never our intention for Frankie to end up in the wild,” said Paradise Park curator, David Woolcock, on social media. “There are a number of reports of similar situations where flamingos have lived for many years and thrived, including over European winters, so while we will continue to worry about her, it is a position we have to accept.
“We are confident that her movements will be observed and logged in France by the citizen science members, and feel relieved to know that she has shown the resilience and skills that will serve her well as a ‘wild’ flamingo. Frankie’s parents and the rest of the flock at Paradise Park continue to do well.”
Read David’s full statement, including a Q&A section, here.
