Canadian tourist accused of torturing Las Vegas Strip flamingo Peachy

Investigators say surveillance footage from the resort shows a man entering the enclosure at around 5 a.m., grabbing Peachy by the neck and legs, and wrapping the bird in a shirt before carrying it out of the habitat. The same individual was seen semi-nude entering an elevator while holding the flamingo. He told onlookers, “I’m going to take the bird home” and “I’m taking it home!” Video from the hallway reportedly shows the bird being wrangled by the neck and legs as it was moved through the hotel’s corridors. One clip also shows another man beside the suspect in an elevator while he held Peachy under his arm.

Footage and witness accounts also describe the suspect grabbing the bird, dragging it, and cornering it as other flamingos screamed and cried. Authorities say the actions inflicted grievous bodily harm on a federally protected migratory species. During the attempt to seize Peachy, at least two other flamingos were injured, with one pinned down and immobilized. Both of those birds required medical attention, and staff arranged for treatment. Wildlife staff at the property worked with responders after the bird was located and removed from the hotel room, and additional checks were made on the colony following the disturbance.

When questioned, Fairbarn told officers he had been drinking and said he believed the bird was in distress. He claimed he tried to adjust Peachy’s wing, describing his actions as an attempt to help, and said he grew up on a farm and wanted to do a good deed. Investigators noted that warning signs were posted around the habitat clearly prohibiting entry and contact with the animals. Authorities say the timeline established from resort surveillance and materials recovered on the suspect’s phone contradicts the account he provided after his arrest.

Hotel security and responding officers traced the movements seen on camera from the habitat through the hotel’s common areas and into the guest floors, identifying the room where the bird was taken. The sequence included clips of the suspect carrying Peachy under an arm, manipulating the bird by its neck and legs, and handling it in a way consistent with the injuries veterinarians later documented. The review also identified moments in which another individual appeared alongside the suspect in an elevator as he held the animal. Investigators are examining whether anyone else participated in the removal of the flamingo from the habitat or in its handling afterward.

As the criminal case proceeds, authorities are emphasizing the protected status of the species involved and the severity of the injuries documented by veterinary staff. The charges reflect what investigators describe as willful and malicious harm to a migratory bird and the impact on other animals in the habitat during the incident. The hotel’s wildlife team has worked to stabilize Peachy and evaluate the rest of the flock. Court proceedings will address the felony counts, and additional evidence, including surveillance clips and materials recovered from the suspect’s phone, is expected to be presented as part of the case against Fairbarn, whose bail was set following his arrest.