African flamingo escaped from Kansas zoo in 2005 spotted in Texas

An African flamingo that escaped from a Kansas zoo in 2005 was spotted in Texas. An African flamingo that escaped from a Kansas zoo in 2005 was spotted in Texas. Photo: Ben Shepard/ Coastal Fisheries Photo: Ben Shepard/ Coastal Fisheries Image 1 of / 41 Caption Close African flamingo escaped from Kansas zoo in 2005 spotted in Texas 1 / 41 Back to Gallery

An African flamingo that escaped from the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansa back in 2005 was spotted in Texas.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Coastal Fisheries Facebook page posted some photos of the escaped bird after it was spotted near Lavaca Bay by staff members helping with a Texas colonial waterbird survey in the area.

FISHING IN TEXAS: Where to catch the biggest fish in the state of Texas

According to the post, the flamingo (known as No. 492 for its leg band) has been living the "bird life" since its escape about 13 years ago and has made an appearance in Texas every few years.

In the comments of the post, TPWD Coastal Fisheries explains that though there are species of flamingo that migrate through the Lone Star State, this particular bird is special because it is from Africa originally (and the wild backstory doesn't hurt).

The Coastal Fisheries page also said the bird has been spotted in the past with a Caribbean flamingo, but since the bird escaped before determining if it was male or female, there is no way to be sure if it was a mate or a friend.

Take a look through the gallery above to see other birds that can be found in South Texas.

Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli is a digital producer. You can follow her on twitter at @Dani_DiNapoli.