Flamingos retire from famous rooftop bar in London to set up home in rural Norfolk
Flamingos at Roof Gardens in Kensington. Picture: Submitted - Credit: Archant
Four flamingos have put their high society lifestyle in Kensington behind them and relocated to Norfolk.
Picture: Pensthorpe Natural Park - Credit: Archant
The flamingos, named Bill, Ben, Splosh and Pecks, had all been living at The Roof Gardens in Kensington, London but have now been given a permanent home at Pensthorpe Natural Park, near Fakenham.
The 700-acre modern nature reserve already has a dedicated flamingo area and is home to thousands of bird and wildlife species.
When the flamingos arrived at their new home they were placed in a pen adjacent to Pensthorpe’s existing flock of 25 so that the two groups could get acquainted. After a few days living as neighbours the London birds were integrated with the resident flock under the careful watch of Chrissie Kelley, head of species management at the park.
“These birds are extremely well-loved so we’ve made every effort to ensure they feel welcome,” she said.
Flamingos at Roof Gardens in Kensington. Picture: Submitted - Credit: Archant
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“They’ve made themselves at home and have settled very well. Flamingos are generally social birds, hence why they’ve probably enjoyed living the high life in London, so we are confident that they will enjoy the next chapter of their lives amongst our flock.”
Pensthorpe, which is owned and run by Bill and Deb Jordan, who founded Jordans Cereals, is developing a Wetland Discovery Area where the flamingos will take up residence and be on display to the public.
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Due to development work, the flamingos are not currently on display but the discovery area is expected to open in July 2018.
Mrs Jordan, said: “Norfolk, in particular north Norfolk, is famously a hotbed for Londoners looking to retire from the capital in favour of a slower pace and rural setting. However this is the first time I’ve known of flamingos making the move. We are confident that these beautiful and much-loved animals will continue to adapt well to their new life in Norfolk.”
The popular nature reserve is located within Norfolk’s Wensum Valley and is known for its work in conservation, having played a fundamental role in the research, breeding and care of species such as red squirrels, corncrakes and turtle doves.
It has been home to BBC’s Springwatch programme.
