Flamingo Frankie living in France after leaving Cornwall wildlife sanctuary
Paradise Park say Frankie will now continue her life as a "wild" flamingo
Last updated 13th Nov 2025
A flamingo that left a wildlife sanctuary in Cornwall is now living in France and has been spotted looking "fit and well."
Frankie, the flamingo, left Paradise Park in Hayle on the morning of 2nd November, between 8am and 8.20am.
Park staff launched an immediate search for her, enlisting help from the public and media to locate her.
A confirmed sighting on 2nd November showed Frankie flying high over the Hayle Estuary.
Attempts by park staff to locate her in the UK were unsuccessful, but Frankie was then spotted in Northern France.
The wildlife sanctuary say they now know that by 9:49am on Monday, 3rd November, Frankie had reached Île Aganton, on the north coast of France.
By 9th November, she had travelled along the coast to Plage de Keremma, with photos showing Frankie "looking fit and well."
David Wolcock, curator at the park, said staff were "devasted" when Frankie escaped but have now accepted she is will not be able to return to the park due to numerous issues including the possibility she may have come into contact with Avian Influenza.
It has now been decided by the Wildlife Sanctuary that Frankie will live as a "wild" bird.
Mr Wolcock added: "There are a number of reports of similar situations where flamingos have lived for many years and thrived, including over European winters, so while we will continue to worry about her it is a position we have to accept.
"We are confident that her movements will be observed and logged in France by the citizen science members and feel relieved to know that she has shown the resilience and skills that will serve her well as a “wild” flamingo."
Paradise Park say Frankie’s parents and the rest of the flamingo flock at the park continue to do well.