Back in 2005, a pair of Flamingos made their move and escaped a zoo in Wichita, Kansas during a storm. I don't know why they'd want to leave the comforts of the zoo, but hey – sometimes it's better to take a chance with the wide open world of predators instead of staying on the inside. I, Harambe, would know.
Anyway, in 2022, one of those Flamingos has been spotted on a beach in Texas living its best life now.
The Coastal Fisheries division of Texas Parks and Wildlife confirmed Tuesday to The Associated Press that the African flamingo — known as No. 492 because of the number on its leg band — was captured on video shot March 10 by an environmental activist near Port Lavaca, Texas, at Rhodes Point in Cox Bay. Officials were able to make out the bird's leg band on the video.
The bird and another flamingo escaped from the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita on a stormy night in June 2005. Employees had not yet clipped the birds' wings to prevent them from flying, which facilitated their escape.
He's on the beach in Texas, probably sipping on a margarita knowing that he escaped scot-free.
492 has managed to survive for nearly two decades wandering the United States, so I'd say he's earned his freedom.
While the other flamingo was never seen again, No. 492 has been spotted several times in Wisconsin, Louisiana and Texas, sometimes with other wild flamingos. But it had been years since its last reported sighting — until this month.
Zoo officials have never made plans to recapture No. 492, despite the sightings, saying there is no easy way to do so without disturbing other wildlife.
This flamingo has seen more of the United States than a lot of people have. He made it all the way up to the frozen tundra of Wisconsin before returning to his right mind and flying south to Louisiana and Texas.
Go 492!
P.S. Now check out our latest video 👇
