A Florida man was arrested Tuesday for picking up, and throwing a flamingo to the ground.
According to WFLA, Joseph Anthony Carrao, 45, was at Busch Gardens Tampa with his family when the incident occurred. Tampa Police say Carrao was in Busch Gardens’ Jambo Junction Animal Viewing Area when he reached into an animal pen and picked up a Chilean flamingo named "Pinky." Police say he was witnessed by other patrons throwing "Pinky" the flamingo to the ground.
The flamingo needed to be euthanized due to excessive force.
Busch Gardens released a statement following the incident:
"Yesterday evening at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, an adult male guest attacked one of our animal ambassadors, a Chilean flamingo known as Pinky, causing traumatic injuries. Pinky was immediately transported to the park’s Animal Care Center where veterinarians made the decision to humanely euthanize her based on the severity of her injuries. Pinky was a beloved member of the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay family and made many appearances on behalf of the park’s conservation and education efforts. She will be sorely missed"
Carrao was detained by Busch Gardens’ Security and was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty by Tampa Police.
