Baby flamingo escapes from Paignton Zoo as urgent search is launched

A baby flamingo has escaped from Paignton Zoo. The news was announced on social media yesterday, Monday, November 18, and a search has been launched to find it.

The chick, which is just four months old, is described as mostly grey with pink feathers. The zoo is now urging people in the local area to keep an eye out for it so it can be brought home as soon as possible.

Paignton Zoo said in a post on Facebook: "One of our curious Flamingo chicks has decided that it wanted to explore the local area this afternoon. The keepers would like to reunite it with the rest of their family.

"If you see it around, please can you let Paignton Zoo know on 01803 697500. Thank you."

As reported by the Mirror, a spokesperson for Wild Planet Trust added: “We can confirm one of our flamingo chicks is missing from Paignton Zoo. We take our duty of care very seriously and are committed to the welfare of all our animals.

“As this chick is only four months old, we are very keen to reunite it with its family. At this age flamingos are just starting to fledge, testing its wings and experimenting which is what led to this curious chick finding its way out of its exhibit.

“Flamingos are social species and thrive within our collection, our oldest flamingo is 55 years old, which is why we are keen to bring the chick back to its family. As soon as we were aware we alerted the relevant authorities, searched the local area, particularly those areas with water, and asked local residents to keep a look out.

“At the moment we have had no confirmed sightings and are aware of the young age of the chick and the dangers of the external world. If anyone spots the flamingo chick, who is mostly grey, with pink feathers beginning to appear, please contact us directly on 01803 697500.”