A missing flamingo from Paradise Park in Hayle, Cornwall, has reportedly been sighted on the coast of Brittany, France, more than 100 miles from home. The four-month-old female Caribbean flamingo, named Frankie, escaped on 2 November despite having her feathers clipped.
Staff at the wildlife sanctuary said they are investigating credible sightings of a flamingo in Brittany, noting that the bird appears to have clipped feathers on its right wing, matching Frankie's description. The park stated: 'We are awaiting more photos to help confirm if it is Frankie. 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.'
Flamingos are not native to Brittany, making the sighting highly unusual. The only native nesting site for flamingos in France is the Camargue region on the south coast. The park added that Frankie has found a 'wonderful, protected estuary system and should be able to feed.'
Frankie hatched on 1 July 2025, the first flamingo chick to be reared by its parents at Paradise Park. Caribbean flamingos are known for their long legs and neck, distinctive pink plumage, and can live up to 40 years. The park is urging anyone with photos or video of the flamingo to contact them.
