By Filipa Gaspar
A missing flamingo from Cornwall has been ‘spotted’ on the coast of France – after escaping a week ago.
Frankie was last seen at Paradise Park in Hayle at 8 am on Sunday, before being spotted in the wild at 10.15 am.
Her search sparked a frantic county-wide search, as the bird is still missing.
But the park said there has been a recent sighting of a flamingo matching Frankie’s description on the coast of Brittany in France.
The sighting of Frankie was on a beach in Treflez, Finistere, on Sunday morning.
Paradise Park said, “We are letting you know that there have been sightings of a flamingo on the coast of Brittany in France.
“We are awaiting more photos to help confirm it is Frankie.”
The park confirmed that though Southern France has a natural population of Greater Flamingo’s the key identifier lies in the bird’s wings.
Though Southern France has a natural population of Greater Flamingos – and young birds can resemble Frankie – the key identifier lies in the bird’s wing.
“The young birds look very similar to Frankie, but we believe we can see the feathers on the right wing have been clipped,” the park added.
“Flamingos are capable of flying that distance, but we still feel amazed to see she has travelled so far also relieved to see her looking so fit. She has found a wonderful, protected estuary system and should be able to feed.
“We will, of course, update as we know more.”
While the focus shifts to France, the sanctuary remains pragmatic, maintaining an open mind in case the Brittany sighting is of a different bird.
Paradise Park is urging the public – on both sides of the Channel – to remain vigilant: “If you do believe you have spotted Frankie and have photos or video, please do still get in touch.”
Paradise Park says “naughty teenager” Frankie makes a “very nasal honking sound” and is urging anyone who hears or sees her to get in touch.
She managed to escape despite having her feathers clipped and staff at the park are said to be “beside themselves” with worry.
Park director Nick Reynolds previously told the BBC: “I don’t think she knows what she’s looking for to be honest – she’s just like a naughty teenager.
“We need to get her back as soon as possible. We are really beside ourselves to be honest.”
The park added that Frankie cannot survive “long term” in Cornwall due to their special diet.
“Although they feed on algae and the small prey described, which would be available locally, this would become more difficult as the weather got colder.
“There are also risks from predators like foxes. When not flying, she would be on the ground as flamingos are wading birds so putting her more at risk.”
Anyone who sees Frankie is urged to contact Paradise Park by emailing them at info@paradisepark.org.uk or by messaging them on Facebook.
