TAMPA, Fla. -- An Orlando man has been arrested after allegedly picking up and throwing a flamingo to the ground at Busch Gardens in Tampa on Tuesday.
Joseph Carrao, 45, was reportedly in the park’s Jambo Junction Animal Viewing Area with his family around 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, according to police.
Carrao reportedly reached into the pen and picked up Pinky. Witnesses said he then violently threw the flamingo to the ground.
"Due to the defendant's unnecessary actions and excessive force, the flamingo had to be euthanized," police said in a statement.
Pinky was 19 and well-known at the park for her dance routines.
Busch Gardens issued a statement on Wednesday:
Carrao was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty.