A young flamingo named Frankie has gone missing from Paradise Park, a wildlife sanctuary in Hayle, Cornwall. The four-month-old bird took flight on Sunday morning, despite having her feathers clipped, sparking a search by worried keepers and the local community. Frankie was last seen at the park at 8 am on Sunday, with subsequent sightings reported in the Porthtowan area and back in Hayle later that day.
Key Takeaways
- A four-month-old flamingo, Frankie, has escaped from Paradise Park in Cornwall.
- She was last seen on Sunday morning and has been sighted in nearby areas.
- Keepers are concerned for her welfare and continue to search.
The Disappearance
Frankie, a Caribbean flamingo, managed to escape from the walled garden at Paradise Park on Sunday. Although her flight feathers were clipped, she was able to take to the air. Staff at the sanctuary were alerted to her absence and immediately began searching the surrounding areas. The park has been actively sharing updates on social media, appealing for information from the public.
Sightings and Search Efforts
Initial sightings of Frankie were reported near Porthtowan, approximately 13 miles from the park, on Sunday morning. Later that afternoon, she was reportedly seen near Hayle River and Copperhouse Pool. Paradise Park confirmed on Monday that the young flamingo had not yet been located and that search efforts were ongoing. The park expressed gratitude for the public’s help in spreading the word and sharing sightings.
About Frankie
Frankie hatched on July 1, 2025, and was the first flamingo chick to be successfully hatched and reared by its parents at Paradise Park. Caribbean flamingos are known for their distinctive pink plumage, long legs, and necks, which help them wade in water and filter feed on algae and shrimp. These dietary elements are what give the birds their vibrant colour. Flamingos can live for up to 40 years.
Sources
- Frankie the flamingo missing after escaping from wildlife sanctuary in Cornwall | Cornwall, The Guardian.
- Flamingo escaped from Paradise Park in Cornwall: updates, Falmouth Packet.
Scott Calland is a highly regarded content specialist with an English Degree. He has a passion for creating compelling content as a UK journalist that engages, informs, and entertains readers. With over 10 years of experience in creating news publications as a reporter, Scott has developed a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of how to craft content that resonates with audiences. Working closely with data analysts Scott’s research on topics is unrivalled for latest news updates.
Feathered Fugitive: Frankie the Flamingo’s Great Escape from Cornwall Sanctuary