The grandpa from Molentargius was born in France and has a fame that precedes him, so much so that he even ended up on Focus. An emblem - on two legs - of Sardinian longevity, in this case acquired, given that he arrived on the island for the first time in 1987 and chose to spend his old age and glory here. Kip the flamingo, as he was called, is the oldest in the Molentargius Natural Park: practically a centenarian, especially considering that it is a specimen that, not living in captivity, should have a life expectancy of around thirty years. But he has already reached the threshold of 46, carried - ailments on one wing aside - with ease and with all the honors that rightfully belong to him. By history and DNA.
Record-breaking pink
Kip is one of the many attractions of the seafront oasis that, in addition to the pink paintings given away every spring, can also boast this beautiful record. "The age is certainly very high. Kip is a bit of a legend, our old man", jokes biologist Luisanna Massa, who works in the earthly paradise nestled between Cagliari and Quartu and knows practically everything about him. Even about his undisputed popularity: "It is certainly a curious story that fascinates and helps promote the area", she observes. And then it refers to the past of the star flamingo, reconstructable step by step thanks to the PVC ring placed in his leg and which allows you to retrace his entire existence. Like a sort of digital curriculum.
Where it all began
"His life - Massa continues - is reconstructed based on the readings of the small device transmitted to the Ringing Center". A point of reference for research on flamingos. "The main one is in France, while for Italy we refer to Ispra (Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research)". Precious and fundamental passages to trace every trip that Kip has made over the years, starting from his birth, traceable without denial to August 3, 1979, as recorded in the Camargue wetland. A sort of baptism, before the first migrations and his transfer to the Sardinian capital. Kip has come a long way.
