A Canadian tourist has been arrested in Las Vegas after authorities say he broke into the Flamingo Hotel’s wildlife habitat and injured several flamingos. Police say surveillance footage captured the man grabbing and choking one of the birds before taking it back to his hotel room.
Tourist Arrested After Flamingo Habitat Incident
Las Vegas Metro Police arrested Mitchell Fairbarn after responding to a call about animal cruelty at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino early Tuesday morning.
According to an arrest report, authorities were alerted around 6 a.m. after hotel staff discovered that someone had entered the flamingo habitat and harmed the birds.
The Flamingo Las Vegas wildlife habitat is home to several protected flamingos and other animals and is a popular attraction for hotel visitors.
Surveillance Video Shows Incident
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the hotel that reportedly shows the suspect entering the habitat area around 5 a.m.
According to police, the video shows Fairbarn grabbing a flamingo from the enclosure. Minutes later, he allegedly returned and grabbed another bird.
Authorities say the footage shows him leaving the habitat with the flamingo and entering an elevator that led to his hotel room.
Investigators also recovered photos and videos from Fairbarn’s cellphone.
Police say the recordings allegedly show him choking the bird while laughing and saying he was “taking it home.”
Suspect Claims He Was Trying to Help
During questioning, Fairbarn reportedly told police he entered the habitat because he believed one of the flamingos was injured.
He claimed he was attempting to fix the bird’s wing after noticing it appeared out of place.
However, investigators say his actions actually caused serious injury.
According to the arrest report, when he attempted to “pop” the wing back into place, he ruptured a blood vessel in the animal’s wing.
Police said the act caused severe injury to the flamingo.
Charges Filed Against the Suspect
Authorities concluded that the man intentionally caused serious harm to a protected migratory bird species.
Fairbarn was arrested and charged with four counts related to animal cruelty, including willful and malicious injury to an animal.
He is scheduled to appear in court for an initial hearing on Monday.
Hotel Responds to the Incident
Caesars Entertainment, which operates the Flamingo Las Vegas, released a statement condemning the incident.
The company said the safety and well-being of the birds in the wildlife habitat are a top priority.
Officials confirmed that one of the flamingos involved, named Peachy, is receiving treatment from veterinarians and the hotel’s animal care team.
Hotel representatives said they are hopeful the birds will recover from their injuries.
Community Reaction and Investigation
The incident has drawn attention because the Flamingo Las Vegas birds are considered iconic attractions on the Las Vegas Strip.
The hotel thanked the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, along with security and animal care teams, for responding quickly to the situation.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident while the injured birds remain under veterinary care.
The arrest of the Canadian tourist highlights the seriousness of laws protecting animals, especially federally protected wildlife. Police say the suspect’s actions caused severe harm to one of the flamingos at the Flamingo Las Vegas habitat.
As the case moves through the legal system, hotel officials and animal care teams remain focused on helping the injured birds recover while emphasizing the importance of respecting wildlife and protected habitats.
