Tourist Claims Drunken Prank Led to Flamingo Theft, Trial Continues

A Canadian tourist on trial for allegedly stealing a flamingo from the Flamingo Las Vegas hotel has testified that he had no "malicious intent" and that the act was a drunken prank. Mitchell Fairbairn, 34, told the court he consumed between 30 and 40 beers before entering the hotel's wildlife habitat around 5 a.m. on March 3.

Fairbairn, an Ontario businessman who represents Canada at international construction exhibitions, stated he grew up on farms and has experience with animals. He also owns pets and has previously rescued farm animals. His trip to Las Vegas came after his father was diagnosed with cancer.

Under cross-examination, Fairbairn acknowledged that video footage of the incident "doesn't look good" and conceded that the flamingo, named Peachy, was injured. He claimed he had "no idea" how the bird lost feathers and took responsibility while denying intent to harm or kill the animal. He testified that he initially sat beside a different flamingo before picking up Peachy to take a photograph as part of a "silly pranky joke."

He said he carried the bird to his hotel room for "two or three minutes" before leaving it in the hallway, stating he was arrested while preparing to return the animal. Fairbairn confirmed he walked through bushes while carrying the flamingo and removed his shirt to wrap around the bird, explaining he wanted to avoid startling other flamingos. He denied seeing any injuries or blood on his shirt or the wall while handling Peachy.

Jurors questioned his explanation for entering the habitat, specifically how he could discern uneven wings on the birds while they were resting. Fairbairn asserted one wing appeared higher than the other from his vantage point, though he agreed a sleeping flamingo could present such an appearance. When asked if intoxication excused harming an animal, he replied, "No."

Police allege that surveillance footage shows Fairbairn wrangling the bird by its neck and legs. They also claim photographs and videos recovered from his phone depict him aggressively choking the bird and throwing it to the floor, with one clip showing him laughing and saying he was "taking the bird home." Investigators reported finding a "large bloody feather" in his hotel room. Animal control officials stated that Peachy suffered a wing injury requiring stitches, and authorities alleged other birds were also injured.

Fairbairn faces four felony counts related to alleged torture, maiming, or killing of animals. Caesars Entertainment, the owner of the Flamingo hotel, described the incident as "deeply distressing" and confirmed that Peachy and other birds were receiving veterinary care. Closing arguments are expected on Monday, after which the jury will begin deliberations.