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Sunday 22/02/2026

Missing Flamingo from Cornwall Spotted in France, Raising Hopes for Reunion

Young flamingo named Frankie on Brittany coast
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Frankie, a flamingo from Paradise Park in Cornwall, went missing on November 2 and is believed to be in Brittany, France.
  • Photographs suggest the flamingo seen on the French coast is Frankie, identified by clipped feathers.
  • Flamingos are capable of flying long distances, and Frankie might join a colony in southern France.
  • Paradise Park is seeking public assistance for sightings and photos to confirm Frankie's identity.
  • The park faces challenges in rehoming Frankie due to bird flu regulations and paperwork.

A flamingo named Frankie, who disappeared from Paradise Park in Cornwall earlier this month, has been sighted on the coast of Brittany, France. The four-month-old bird, who escaped on November 2 despite having clipped feathers, has been spotted over 100 miles away from her original home, sparking a flurry of excitement and concern among the park's staff.

The Escape and Journey

Frankie, the first flamingo chick to hatch and be reared by her parents at Paradise Park, made her escape from a walled garden, defying expectations due to her clipped wings. Initial sightings placed her near Porthtowan, Cornwall, but recent credible reports and photographs suggest she has crossed the English Channel to the French coast.

Identifying Frankie

The park's director, Nick Reynolds, expressed cautious optimism about the sightings. "We're pretty certain it is Frankie from the photos we've seen," he said, noting the distinctive clipped feathers on her right wing. The park is awaiting further photographic evidence to confirm her identity definitively.

Challenges and Hopes

While flamingos are capable of such long-distance flights, the journey is not without its challenges. The park hopes that Frankie will find a colony of greater flamingos in southern France, where she can thrive. However, rehoming her in the UK presents difficulties due to bird flu regulations and complex paperwork.

Public Assistance and Next Steps

Paradise Park is appealing to the public for any sightings or photographs of Frankie to be sent via their Facebook account or contact details. "She's still our baby, and we want to know what's happening with her," Reynolds added. The park remains hopeful that Frankie will find a safe and suitable habitat, whether in France or back in Cornwall.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The sighting of Frankie in Brittany opens several possibilities for her future. If confirmed, she may integrate with a local flamingo colony, which could offer her a stable environment. However, if she remains alone, the park may need to consider options for her safe return, despite the logistical challenges posed by bird flu regulations. The situation highlights the complexities of wildlife management and the unpredictable nature of animal behavior, particularly in the face of environmental changes. As climate conditions alter migratory patterns, such incidents may become more common, necessitating adaptive strategies from wildlife sanctuaries and conservationists.

Images from the Web

Additional article image
Image Source: Alice Beddows
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Image Source: Paradise Park
Additional article image
Image Source: Alice Beddows
Additional article image
Image Source: Paradise Park
Additional article image
Image Source: Paradise Park