Published on: March 4, 2026, 09:38h.
Updated on: March 4, 2026, 09:56h.
- A tourist from Canada is facing felony charges for allegedly abusing a flamingo that he stole from a Las Vegas resort.
- Mitchell Fairbarn, 33, reportedly choked and threw the bird, named Peachy, inside his hotel room.
- A judge has set bail at $12,000 and required Fairbarn to surrender his passport.
A Canadian visitor has been slapped with felony animal cruelty charges after he allegedly broke into the Flamingo Las Vegas’ wildlife area early Tuesday. According to police records, Mitchell Fairbarn from Ontario spirited away one of the resort’s Chilean flamingos, brought it back to his hotel, and subjected it to abuse.
Fairbarn, who is 33 years old, was apprehended shortly after the incident and is facing four charges of torturing, maiming, or killing an animal kept for companionship or pleasure. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, he remained in custody as of Wednesday afternoon.
Security footage reviewed by law enforcement depicted Fairbarn entering the habitat before sunrise and attempting to catch several flamingos. Investigators stated he first injured one flamingo’s wing before capturing another — Peachy, a long-time inhabitant of the resort’s outdoor sanctuary.
The video allegedly shows Fairbarn concealing Peachy under his shirt and jacket before taking an elevator with another individual. (Only Fairbarn has been charged.) Upon reaching the 14th floor, he reportedly laughed and proclaimed, “I’m taking it home.”
What transpired in Fairbarn’s hotel room, according to police, was captured in photos and videos from the suspect’s phone. These images reportedly showed him choking Peachy and throwing the bird onto the floor, all while laughing as Peachy screamed.
Upon police arrival, Peachy was found distressed but alive. Both Peachy and the previously injured flamingo were placed under the care of veterinarians associated with the resort. Fairbarn claimed he had attempted to aid Peachy by popping its wing back into place, although authorities noted the bird required stitches for recovery.
Fairbarn informed law enforcement he had been consuming alcohol heavily, which contributed to his hazy recollection of the events. He did, however, admit his actions were “repulsive,” as detailed in the police report.
A judge in Las Vegas established a bail amount of $12,000 and issued orders for him to relinquish his passport, steer clear of the Strip, avoid contact with any animals, and wear an electronic monitoring device if he is released.
Caesars Entertainment, the owner of the Flamingo, issued a statement describing the situation as “deeply distressing.”
“Our beloved birds, including Peachy, are receiving the utmost care from our dedicated veterinarians and animal care professionals,” the company stated. “We are optimistic about their full recovery.”
Previous Incidents
The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat occupies 15 acres of the resort’s 19-acre estate, home to a variety of exotic birds, including a dozen flamingos, alongside koi fish and turtles. Though a popular and free attraction, the sanctuary has been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons before.
In 2012, a law student from UC Berkeley was convicted of beheading a guinea fowl on the premises, receiving probation and mandatory participation in a 190-day “regimental discipline” program through the Nevada Department of Corrections. Other law students involved in the incident also took plea deals, serving two days each in jail.
In 2005, police, accompanied by a crew from the TV show Cops, infamously intervened to stop two inebriated men from stealing a flamingo.