In an update shared on the Paradise Park Facebook this morning, Curator David Woolcock shared his “sincerest” thanks to both the local and national media for their assistance for Frankie, who flew from the park on the morning of Sunday, November 2.
“When Frankie left our site on the morning of Sunday, November 2, sometime between 8am and 8:20am, we were devastated,” David shared. “Immediately, we began searching for her and informed the media, asking for their assistance.
“One confirmed video sighting on Sunday showed Frankie flying high and strong over the Hayle Estuary area. Further sightings were reported to us over the coming days, none of which could be confirmed. In addition, there was also a White Stork in the area, which added to the possible sightings.”
However, David confirmed that by 9.49am on Monday, November 3, Frankie was already at the Île Aganton, on the north coast of France. “This sighting was reported on the French national citizen science portal for nature. This all became apparent on November 9 when a further set of photographs of Frankie looking fit and well, who was now along the coast at Plage de Keremma, were forwarded to us,” he added.
In Frankie’s best interests, David admitted that the park knew that they would not be able to “retrieve Frankie” due to several reasons, including the difficulty in catching her, international logistics and importation, and the risk of Avian Influenza.
David said: “It was never our intention for Frankie to end up in the wild. 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. Frankie’s parents and the rest of the flock at Paradise Park continue to do well.”