Flamingo euthanised after visitor launches violent attack on bird

A VISITOR to a wildlife preserve has been charged with animal cruelty after a flamingo suffered such severe injuries that veterinarians had to euthanise her.

Joseph Anthony Corrao reached into a pen, picked up Pinky and threw her down. The bird suffered traumatic injuries and had to be euthanized. Picture: AP.

A visitor to a Florida wildlife preserve was charged with animal cruelty after a flamingo suffered such severe injuries that veterinarians at the Busch Gardens animal park euthanised it.

Joseph Anthony Corrao, 45, was visiting the park with his family on Tuesday when he reached into the bird’s pen, grabbed the flamingo and threw her to the ground, according to Tampa Police.

The large bird was taken to the animal care centre at the SeaWorld-operated park, but its injuries were deemed too severe for survival by staff and it was euthanised.

Corraom was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals on Wednesday.