TAMPA, Fla.—Veterinarians at Busch Gardens had to euthanize “Pinky” the flamingo after a man grabbed her from an animal viewing area and threw her to the ground.
Tampa police say 45-year-old Joseph Anthony Corrao of Orlando was visiting the park’s Jambo Junction area with his family on Tuesday when he reached into a pen, picked up the flamingo and threw her down.
Witnesses told investigators they saw Corrao throw the flamingo. He was detained by the theme park’s security and arrested by Tampa police. Busch Gardens said the bird suffered injuries so “traumatic” that she could not be saved.
Corrao was released from jail early Wednesday on a $2,000 bond. Records don’t list an attorney for him.
Busch Gardens issued a statement Wednesday about the bird’s death, according to Fox59:
“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.”
