Flamingo missing after high winds

Florence is part of a flock of Chilean flamingos living at Drusillas

A flamingo blown out of its enclosure at a zoo by a freak gust of wind is still missing more than a week later.

Florence, a Chilean flamingo hatched at Drusillas Park, Alfriston, in 2004, has been missing since 15 January.

Zoo staff said they watched helplessly as a gust of wind picked up the bird, aiding her flight to a nearby field.

Keepers trying to retrieve her lost sight of her within a couple of hours but there have been several sightings of her since, the last one in Ringmer.

Other sightings reported by members of the public have taken keepers to fields in Berwick, Wilmington and Laughton.

Recent sightings have indicated that she is feeding which is a very good sign Clare Reed Head keeper

Head keeper Clare Reed said during the gales the zoo had taken the precaution of shutting the flamingos indoors for their safety.

However, on the day she went missing the weather had seemed a lot calmer, so they were let out, she said.

"We are obviously very worried about Florence. She has been away from the group for over a week now and we are not sure how she will be coping on her own.

"Recent sightings have indicated that she is feeding which is a very good sign.

"However, she is still extremely vulnerable and we are keen to secure her speedy return."

Drusillas Park has offered a reward for information leading to the successful rescue of Florence.