A dancing flamingo named Pinky had to be euthanized Tuesday after an Orlando man allegedly attacked her at Busch Gardens in Tampa, according to police.
Joseph Anthony Corrao, 45, was at the park with his family in the Jambo Junction Animal Viewing area when he reached into the animal pen, grabbed the flamingo and threw Pinky to the ground, according to Tampa police.
Pinky was taken to the animal care center, but had to be euthanized because of the severity of her injuries, Busch Gardens said in a statement.
“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,” a spokeswoman for Busch Gardens said in a statement. “She will be sorely missed.”
Corrao was arrested and charged with animal cruelty. He was released from jail early Wednesday on a $2,000 bond. Records don’t list an attorney for him.
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.
Associated Press contributed.
