Frankie the Flamingo living new life in France after escaping

By Filipa Gaspar

An escaped flamingo is now living a "wild" life in France after flying off from a park in Cornwall.

Frankie took flight from Paradise Park in Cornwall at the beginning of the month.

Her escape sparked a frantic county-wide search involving national and international media.

But after days of intensive search, the park has confirmed that she is thriving on the north coast of France.

Mickaël Belliot first spotted her on Monday at Goulven and immediately got in touch with Paradise Park.

But yesterday (Nov. 13), he found Frankie thriving at Plage de Keremma, in Brittany.

He said: "When I saw her, I was quite surprised. I took photos and send it to a few friends whom did not believe me, they said it was AI.

"But when I showed them the Paradise Park post, they knew I wasn’t kidding.

"But most of all, I started to have sympathy for this bird and was worried not seeing her for three days.

"It was a relief and a sincere happiness to see her yesterday! Hope she makes it through wildlife."

A spokesperson said they "feel relieved" to know that she has shown skills that will serve her as a 'wild' flamingo.

He 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.”