Two Greater Flamingos that have been at the Għadira Nature Reserve since September have disappeared following a break-in.

Birdlife said the absence of the two flamingos was noted around 6:30am, triggering wardens to carry out a routine inspection of the reserve to ascertain their whereabouts.

Signs of forced entry were subsequently found including trampled vegetation, foot marks leading up to raised fence and a three-metre wooden plank that could have been used to gain access.

The police were called to the scene and inspected the reserve and its perimeter. 

Birdlife said the birds had been very popular with visitors to the reserve, ever since they were rescued after being stranded from migrating flocks last summer.

The first had landed among swimmers at Paradise Bay on September 1, while the second had landed exhausted at a residence in Birzebbuga on September 10.

The pair had become stable residents at Għadira Nature reserve, feeding in the lagoon and slowly gaining their transformation from grey juveniles to pink adults.

"Inseparable since their arrival, the two flamingos were a mainstay attraction to reserve visitors, often seen feeding and roosting together, as well as  giving a spectacle as they flew around the reserve."

Nature Reserves manager Mark Gauci said: “The circumstances leading to their sudden disappearance is one which brings memories of past incidents. Having been residents at the reserve for so many months, it is highly unlikely these two inexperienced birds chose a stormy windy night to venture out at sea or migrate.” 

Birdlife Malta is appealing to members of the public for any information on the flamingos’ whereabouts or about the Għadira incident to contact the police on 119 or Birdlife Malta on 2134 7644.