Tourist Breaks Into Flamingo Habitat in Las Vegas… Then Takes a Bird Back to His Hotel Room

A disturbing incident at one of the most famous hotels on the Las Vegas Strip has led to serious charges for a tourist accused of breaking into a flamingo habitat and injuring several birds.

Police say the man even took one of the flamingos back to his hotel room.

Early Morning Break-In at Famous Flamingo Habitat

According to court records, Mitchell Fairbarn, 33, of Ontario, Canada, is facing four felony counts of animal abuse.

Las Vegas Metro Police say the Flamingo hotel called officers on Tuesday, March 3, after someone broke into the property’s wildlife habitat. The outdoor attraction is home to Chilean flamingos, exotic ducks, pelicans, koi fish, and turtles, and has been a popular stop on the Strip for decades.

Surveillance video reportedly shows Fairbarn entering the habitat around 5 a.m. and grabbing a flamingo named “Peachy.” Police say he also injured other birds during the incident, including “pinning down” a second bird and “not letting it escape.” The video later shows him returning to his hotel room with Peachy.

Suspect Claims He Was Trying to Help

Fairbarn allegedly told officers he entered the enclosure because he believed the bird was hurt and tried to fix it.

“He stated he knows that ‘popping’ the wing back into its place [is] a common practice for birds, such as ducks,” police said. “He has knowledge of his because he is a farm boy.”

However, animal control officers say the bird’s injuries were actually caused when Fairbarn allegedly “pulled the wing out of the bird’s body.”

Hotel Says Birds Are Recovering

Inside the hotel room, police reportedly found a large bloody feather along with other evidence. Officers also say they discovered photos and videos of the man with the bird on his phone.

Caesars Entertainment released a statement saying:

“We are aware of the deeply distressing incident involving a guest who was arrested for breaking into our wildlife habitat and assaulting our flamingos… Our beloved birds, including Peachy, who was cruelly taken from the habitat, are currently in the care of dedicated veterinarians… We remain hopeful they will make a full recovery.”

A judge set Fairbarn’s bail at $12,000 and ordered him to surrender his passport. He is scheduled to appear in court again on March 9.