Canadian Tourist Faces Federal Animal Cruelty Charges in Las Vegas Flamingo Case
Newly obtained 911 calls have revealed disturbing details about a Canadian tourist accused of stealing and torturing flamingos at a Las Vegas hotel. Mitchell Fairbarn, a 33-year-old resident of Ontario, is now facing four counts of federal animal cruelty following the alleged incident at The Flamingo hotel.
Surveillance Footage Captures Alleged Crime
According to police reports, surveillance footage from the hotel shows a man entering the wildlife habitat, stealing a flamingo, and taking it back to a hotel room. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of March 3, 2026, when hotel security first noticed something was wrong.
The first 911 call came just before 6 a.m. from a hotel security guard who reported seeing a man carrying a flamingo down a 14th-floor hallway. Security personnel later discovered that one bird was missing from the habitat and two others were seriously injured, with one possibly not surviving.
911 Calls Reveal "Serious Stuff"
The emergency calls obtained by KVVU television station show the escalating concern among hotel staff. A security supervisor made a second call to Metro Police while waiting for a response, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
"He stole one of the flamingo birds," the supervisor told dispatchers. "It's kind of serious stuff."
Security footage reportedly showed the suspect inside the bird enclosure for approximately eight minutes before taking one of the animals. Hotel staff noted that the man had jumped the fence to access the protected habitat.
Suspect's Account and Evidence Found
When police arrived, Fairbarn allegedly told officers that he entered the bird habitat because he saw a flamingo in distress. He claimed to have "popped" the bird's wing into place to help it. However, he also admitted to seeing multiple warning signs prohibiting trespassing, feeding, touching the flamingos, or entering the water.
Fairbarn reportedly told police he was drunk at the time of the incident. Inside his hotel room, investigators found a "large bloody feather" and several photos and videos on his phone allegedly showing him choking the flamingo and throwing it on the floor.
In one particularly disturbing clip, Fairbarn laughs while declaring he is "taking (the bird) home."
Legal Proceedings and Bird Injuries
During a probable cause hearing on March 4, Fairbarn was ordered to surrender his passport, wear an ankle monitor, and stay away from the Las Vegas Strip. His bail was set at US$12,000, and he was prohibited from having any animals in his possession.
Fairbarn posted bond following the hearing. At his subsequent court appearance on March 9, he wasn't present, but his lawyer acknowledged the charges on his behalf. The case is scheduled to continue on May 6.
The injuries to the birds, including one named Peachy, have resulted in four charges of willful or malicious torture, maiming, or killing of a "federally protected migratory species."
Hotel Response and Bird Recovery
The Flamingo hotel released a statement expressing concern for their animals. "Our beloved birds, including Peachy, are currently in the care of dedicated veterinarians and our extraordinary Flamingo animal care team," the statement read. "We remain hopeful they will make a full recovery."
This case highlights the serious consequences of animal cruelty, particularly when involving protected species. Federal charges in such cases can carry significant penalties, reflecting the gravity of harming wildlife.
The incident has drawn attention to animal protection laws and the importance of respecting wildlife habitats, even in tourist destinations. As the legal process continues, authorities emphasize that such behavior toward animals will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
