Famed flamingo Pinky dead in Florida after man attacks it

[August 04, 2016]    TAMPA, Fla. (Reuters) - A Chilean flamingo named Pinky which was known for its dancing was euthanized at a Florida theme park after being badly injured by a man who reached into its pen and threw it to the ground, Tampa police said on Wednesday.

Orlando resident Joseph Anthony Corrao, 45, was arrested and jailed on a felony animal cruelty charge in connection with the incident involving the bird, police said in a statement.

Corrao was visiting an animal viewing area at Busch Gardens in Tampa with his family Tuesday night when other park patrons saw him pick up Pinky and throw it to the ground, police said.

A Chilean flamingo named Pinky is pictured in Busch Gardens, in Tampa Bay, Florida in this undated handout photo. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay/Handout via REUTERS

The 19-year-old animal suffered traumatic injuries and veterinarians decided to "humanely euthanize" it as a result, said park spokeswoman Karen Varga-Sinka.

Police did not give a motive. Jail records did not list a lawyer for Corrao, who was being held on a $2,000 bond.

Videos previously posted online show Pinky twirling and tapping its webbed feet, a behavior the park said the flamingo loved to show off for guests.

"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," Varga-Sinka said. "She will be sorely missed."

(Reporting by Letitia Stein; Additional reporting and writing by Colleen Jenkins; Editing by James Dalgleish)

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