Authorities arrested a man from Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday evening after he allegedly attacked a popular Busch Gardens Tampa Bay resident named Pinky the flamingo.
CBSMiami reported that the alleged incident occurred around 6:45 p.m. on Aug. 2, while Joseph Carrao and his family were in the park’s Jambo Junction animal viewing area. Eyewitnesses said that for some reason Carrao, 45, reached into the Flamingo’s enclosure, lifted Pinky up and then slammed her onto the ground.
"According to witnesses, he threw the bird to the ground with such force that the bird's foot was nearly severed," the police report said.
The injuries Pinky sustained were so great that she had to be put down.
“Pinky was immediately transported to the park’s Animal Care Center were veterinarians made the decision to humanely euthanize her based on the severity of her injuries,” a statement from the park read.
The Chilean flamingo was 19 and famous for doing a Flamenco dance. She also made several appearances on behalf of the theme park over the years.
Carrao was taken into custody and charged with felony animal cruelty. His criminal past includes aggravated assault on someone 65 years or older, a felony DUI and fleeing law enforcement. At this time, he remains behind bars at the Hillsborough County Jail.
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