Escaped Flamingo Spotted Over 100 Miles Away in France

On November 2, 2025, a 4-month-old female flamingo named Frankie escaped from the walled garden at Paradise Park near Hayle, Cornwall, despite having her feathers clipped. Sightings were initially reported near Porthtowan, about 13 miles away, but more than a week later, the park is now investigating credible reports of Frankie on the French coast, over 100 miles away across the English Channel.

The park believes the flamingo spotted in Brittany, France is likely Frankie, as the feathers on its right wing appear to have been clipped, matching the escaped bird. While flamingos are capable of flying such long distances, the park is "amazed" and "relieved" to see Frankie has traveled so far and appears to be thriving in a "wonderful, protected estuary system" where it can feed.

Frankie hatched on July 1, 2025, making it the first flamingo chick to hatch and be reared by its parents at Paradise Park. The Caribbean flamingo is known for its distinctive pink plumage, long legs, and ability to wade in deep water to filter algae and shrimp from the mud, which gives them their vibrant color. Flamingos can live up to 40 years old.