Las Vegas, Nevada — A tourist is facing felony animal abuse charges after police say he broke into a flamingo habitat at a famous Las Vegas hotel, removed one of the birds, and allegedly abused it before taking it to his room.
Authorities say the disturbing incident happened early on the morning of March 3 at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino, where the property’s well-known flamingo habitat houses several birds that are popular with visitors.
Police Respond to Report of Flamingo Taken From Habitat
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, officers were called to the hotel around 6 a.m. after receiving a report that a man had been detained by security.
The suspect, identified as a 33-year-old tourist from Ontario, was taken into custody after allegedly entering the flamingo habitat and removing one of the birds.
Authorities later charged the man with four counts of felony animal abuse, according to court records cited by local media.
Surveillance Footage Shows Bird Being Taken
Investigators say hotel surveillance footage captured the suspect entering the habitat around 5 a.m. and grabbing a flamingo named Peachy by its legs.
Police allege the suspect also disturbed and injured other flamingos while forcibly removing Peachy from the habitat.
The footage reportedly shows the man wrapping the bird in a shirt before carrying it through the property and eventually taking it to a room on the 14th floor of the hotel.
According to police reports, the flamingo could be heard crying out while the man carried it.
Suspect Allegedly Posed With Flamingo
Authorities say additional footage shows the suspect laughing, posing with the flamingo, and grabbing the bird roughly by the neck inside the hotel.
Investigators later obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s room.
Read Also: Girlfriend Found Dead in Dumpster, Illinois Man Now Facing Murder Charge
During the search, officers reportedly collected evidence including a cell phone, bedding, feathers, and blood samples.
Police said the suspect later told officers he had been drinking alcohol prior to the incident.
Flamingo Suffers Injury During Incident
Animal Protection Services told investigators that one of the flamingo’s wings had been clipped during the encounter.
Veterinary staff are now monitoring the bird’s condition.
The flamingo, named Peachy, is part of the iconic flock that has lived at the Las Vegas resort for decades and is one of the attraction’s most recognizable features.
Hotel Owner Calls Incident “Deeply Distressing”
In a statement, Caesars Entertainment — the company that owns the Flamingo Hotel — condemned the incident.
“The safety and well-being of our iconic flock are of the utmost importance to us, and we will be pursuing charges against this individual to the fullest extent possible,” the company said.
Officials added that Peachy and the other birds involved in the incident are currently under the care of veterinarians and the resort’s animal care team.
“Our beloved birds, including Peachy, who was cruelly taken from the habitat, are currently receiving care from dedicated veterinarians. We remain hopeful they will make a full recovery.”
Investigation Continues
Authorities have not released additional details about the suspect’s court appearance or whether additional charges could be filed.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to the popularity of the Flamingo Hotel’s bird habitat, which has long been a major attraction for visitors in Las Vegas.
As the investigation moves forward, officials say protecting the animals remains a priority.
What do you think about the growing number of incidents involving tourists and animals at public attractions? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
