LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A Canadian tourist accused of jumping into the wildlife habitat at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino and injuring flamingos has posted bail, FOX5 has learned. A judge has ordered him to remain in Las Vegas.
Mitchell Fairbarn, of Ontario, Canada, was seen on a security camera early last Tuesday hopping a fence to enter the wildlife habitat at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino. FOX5 obtained multiple 911 calls placed by hotel security requesting Metro Police and animal cruelty investigators respond.
ARREST REPORT: ‘I’m taking it home’: Man seen on video abusing flamingos at Las Vegas hotel, police say
911 calls detail the incident
In one call, a hotel security employee told a Metro Police dispatcher that someone had jumped the habitat, damaged the flamingos, and taken one away. The caller also reported that a person had been seen carrying a flamingo down the hall on the 14th floor of the hotel.
“Basically, it started at 520 we got a phone call,” a caller said. “And they said that someone was carrying a flamingo down the hall.”
Hotel security said the video showed Fairbarn inside the enclosure for approximately eight minutes. He grabbed one bird by the legs, pulled it to the ground, and held it down as it attempted to escape. He then carried a bird named Peachy to his hotel room.
A security supervisor called Metro Police a second time while waiting for a response.
“He stole one of the flamingo birds,” the supervisor said. “It’s kind of serious stuff.”
Suspect said he was drunk, claims he tried to help bird
When officers arrived, Fairbarn told them he had seen posted signs reading “No Trespassing,” “No Feeding or Touching the Flamingos,” and “No Getting in the Water,” but he said he was drunk at the time. Fairbarn claimed he brought the flamingo to his room to “pop” its wing back into place.
Hotel security reported that one flamingo was missing and two others were seriously injured following the incident. The 911 caller told the dispatcher that one of the injured birds may not survive.
Charges, bond conditions, and court date
Fairbarn is facing four counts of willful and malicious torture of an animal. Upon his release on bond, a judge ordered him to:
- Remain in Las Vegas
- Wear an ankle monitor
- Stay away from the Strip corridor
- Surrender his passport
- Have no animals in his possession
He is due back in court May 6.
MORE: Outrage after tourist accused of stealing, injuring flamingos at Las Vegas casino
The Flamingo Hotel told FOX5: “Our beloved birds, including Peachy, are currently in the care of dedicated veterinarians and our extraordinary Flamingo animal care team. We remain hopeful they will make a full recovery.”
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
