Paignton Zoo issues sad statement about missing flamingo chick

Paignton Zoo has released an update on the missing flamingo chick that escaped its enclosure on Sunday, sharing the sad news that the young bird is now believed to have died.

The baby flamingo’s disappearance was first announced on Sunday, November 17, via the zoo’s Facebook page. 

The public appeal read: “One of our curious flamingos 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.”

Members of the community had been helping and the zoo said staff had been following "well-rehearsed procedures".

In the most recent update, released this afternoon, the zoo expressed gratitude to the community for their understanding and ongoing support during the search efforts.

The update reads: "On Sunday, we noticed that one of our flamingo chicks had gone missing. We immediately put out an appeal to the public to help us locate the chick, and our dedicated staff members did a brilliant job in trying to relocate the chick, following our well-rehearsed procedures.

"Unfortunately, despite the community's efforts, we have not had any further sightings since Sunday evening. Given the time that has passed and the circumstances, we now believe that the chick may no longer be alive.

"We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone in the community for their support and assistance during this time. We can confirm that all of our other flamingos and their chicks are accounted for, and we are taking additional measures to ensure that this does not happen again."

Described as mostly grey with hints of pink, the four-month-old flamingo chick had yet to develop the distinctive pink plumage of adult birds.

It is believed to have flown outside of its enclosure, apparently too young of an age to have its wings trimmed as is standard practice in most zoos.