Man attacks Pinky the Dancing Flamingo at Busch Gardens; bird has to be put down

A family’s trip to Busch Gardens in Tampa has ended with the father in jail after he allegedly attacked Pinky the Dancing Flamingo, resulting in the animal’s death, officials say.

At 6:44 p.m. Tuesday, Joseph Anthony Corrao was with his family at Busch Gardens Amusement Park’s Jambo Junction animal viewing area, when he allegedly reached into an animal pen and picked up a flamingo, according to Stephen Hegarty, public safety information coordinator for Tampa.

In front of other parkgoers, the 45-year-old Corrao allegedly threw the bird known as Pinky the Dancing Flamingo to the ground. According to Hegarty, the “excessive force” of the attack meant the flamingo had to be euthanized.

“Pinky was immediately transported to the park’s Animal Care Center where veterinarians made the decision to humanely euthanize her based on the severity of her injuries,” Karen Varga-Sinka, publicity and communications senior manager for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay & Adventure Island, told Bay News 9.

“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. She will be sorely missed,” she added.

The Orlando man was charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals, according to Hegarty.

He bonded out of jail Wednesday morning.

In the accompanying video of Pinky, see how people will remember the dancing flamingo best.

This story was originally published August 3, 2016 at 9:59 AM with the headline "Man attacks Pinky the Dancing Flamingo at Busch Gardens; bird has to be put down."