Tourist accused of stealing, torturing, and choking flamingo at Las Vegas hotel habitat

LAS VEGAS (TCN) -- A tourist has been charged with animal abuse after allegedly stealing a live flamingo from a casino hotel and taking photos while maiming it in his room. 

KLAS reports police were called by staff at the Flamingo hotel with a report that several birds had been injured after someone had broken into the flamingo habitat. 

When police reviewed surveillance footage, they saw a person, allegedly 33-year-old Mitchell Fairbarn, entering the habitat at around 5 a.m. on March 3. He allegedly stole a bird named Peachy and injured other birds in the process, police said. Footage then allegedly showed Fairbarn taking the bird to a hotel room, where police later found a bloody feather, according to KLAS.

Fairbarn allegedly told police he broke into the habitat because he saw one of the birds was in distress and that he popped the bird’s wing back into place. He allegedly told police he was a farm boy and that popping a wing back into place is common practice for injured ducks and other birds, according to KLAS.

Fairbarn’s phone contained photos and videos of Fairbarn with Peachy in his room, including some where he allegedly tortured the bird, KLAS reports. He allegedly says he will take the bird home in one video.

The New York Post reports other videos show Fairbarn and an unnamed companion allegedly chasing Peachy down a hallway and choking it as they posed for selfies. 

Due to the wing injury, Peachy required stiches, the New York Post reports. 

Fairbarn was charged with four counts of felony animal abuse. At a probable cause hearing on March 4, Fairbarn’s bail was set at $12,000, his passport was taken, and he was ordered to not have animals in his possession, KLAS reports. Records obtained by KLAS show that Fairbarn posted bond on March 4.

The hotel is famed for its bird display. WQAD reports the resort is home to Chilean flamingos and other local and exotic bird species, turtles, and fish. A statement from Caesars Entertainment Corp., which owns the hotel, said, “Our beloved birds, including Peachy, who was cruelly taken from the habitat, are currently in the care of dedicated veterinarians and our extraordinary Flamingo animal care team. We are hopeful they will make a full recovery.”

KRON reports Fairbarn is due back in court on March 9.

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