Marina
Two decades ago, a remarkable incident took place at the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas, when an African flamingo, later nicknamed Pink Floyd, made a daring escape during a stormy night in June 2005. Officially known as flamingo No. 492, the bird was identifiable by the yellow band labeled “492” around its leg.
No. 492, along with another flamingo, was part of a group of 39 birds born in Africa and transported to the Kansas zoo in 2004. Unfortunately, due to timing and staffing challenges, zookeepers never clipped the birds’ wings, allowing them the full ability to fly. Moreover, no blood tests were conducted, so the sex of the birds remains unknown.
One Flamingo Lost, One Still Roams Free
Since the escape, Pink Floyd has become something of a legend among wildlife enthusiasts. However, the second flamingo that escaped alongside it has not been seen since June 2005, according to KAKE TV, a Kansas news outlet.
In contrast, flamingo No. 492 has been spotted numerous times over the years, often blending in with wild flamingo flocks during spring and summer months. The bird has become a seasonal visitor along the Texas coast, where it was last confirmed to be seen in May 2023.
Confirmed Sightings and Social Media Fame
The Audubon Texas team confirmed seeing Pink Floyd during the Texas Annual Waterbird Surveys in May 2023. They shared two photographs on social media showing the flamingo in a marshland area — one with the bird standing gracefully and another with its wings outstretched. In both images, the distinctive yellow leg band marked “492” is clearly visible.
Further potential sightings have occurred. On May 22, 2024, Texas-based wildlife photographer Dan Thornton claimed he saw Pink Floyd in Port Aransas, stating the flamingo had been lingering in the Coastal Bend region for several months.
Despite compelling photos, the sighting remained unverified, as the yellow band was obscured by water, preventing confirmation.
Wandering Through States – Pink Floyd’s Known Locations
Throughout the years, Pink Floyd has been spotted not just in Texas but also in Wisconsin and Louisiana, illustrating its remarkable adaptability and mobility. Still, officials at the Sedgwick County Zoo have made it clear that they do not intend to recapture the flamingo.
Back in 2007, zoo spokeswoman Christan Baumer explained, “There really isn’t an easy way to recapture the bird. It would only disturb wildlife where it’s been found and possibly could do more damage to the bird than just leaving him alone.”
Pink Floyd, the flamingo who slipped past zoo walls in 2005, continues to captivate animal lovers and researchers alike. Despite years in the wild, this resilient bird has adapted to life far beyond the boundaries of captivity, creating a lasting legacy in wildlife history.
With no plans for recapture, Pink Floyd remains a symbol of freedom, survival, and mystery—an extraordinary tale that keeps bird watchers and flamingo fans eagerly awaiting the next sighting.