A Canadian tourist is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly entering the wildlife habitat at the Flamingo Las Vegas and injuring several birds early Tuesday morning, according to police and local reports.
Mitchell Fairbarn, a 33-year-old man from Ontario, Canada, was arrested and booked on four counts of torturing, maiming, or killing an animal kept for companionship or pleasure, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.
Authorities say the incident occurred around 5 a.m. Tuesday inside the Flamingo hotel’s outdoor habitat, which is home to several flamingos and other birds. Surveillance footage reportedly shows a man climbing into the habitat before grabbing a flamingo named Peachy.
During the encounter, police said multiple birds were pinned down and injured. The video then shows the suspect leaving the habitat while carrying Peachy and returning to a hotel room.
According to KLAS, officers later searched the room and found what was described as a large bloody feather along with other material believed to be connected to the incident.
When questioned by police, Fairbarn reportedly claimed he believed the flamingo was in distress and attempted to help the animal. Investigators said he told officers he “popped” the bird’s wing back into place because he believed the wing had been dislocated.
Police said Fairbarn told them he was familiar with the practice from his upbringing, explaining that repositioning a bird’s wing is sometimes done with ducks. He reportedly described himself as a “farm boy” and claimed he believed he was assisting the animal.
Authorities, however, viewed the situation differently.
A Las Vegas judge described the alleged actions as “extremely concerning” during a court appearance. Fairbarn was subsequently booked into the Clark County Detention Center and is being held on $12,000 bail.
Officials from the Flamingo hotel said several birds were injured during the incident but are now receiving care from veterinarians. The animals are expected to recover.
The Flamingo wildlife habitat has long been a popular attraction on the Las Vegas Strip, drawing visitors who stop to view the signature pink birds that helped inspire the resort’s iconic name.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
