Tourist Accused of Stealing, Torturing Flamingo at Las Vegas Hotel

Canadian man faces multiple felony charges for alleged attack on iconic hotel's birds

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 33-year-old Canadian tourist named Mitchell Fairbarn has been charged with four counts of felony animal abuse after allegedly breaking into the flamingo habitat at the Flamingo hotel in Las Vegas, stealing a flamingo named 'Peachy', and injuring several other birds in the process. Surveillance footage showed Fairbarn entering the habitat, grabbing the flamingo, and returning to his hotel room with the injured bird. Police found evidence of the attack, including bloody feathers, in Fairbarn's room.

Why it matters

The Flamingo hotel is an iconic Las Vegas landmark, and its flock of Chilean flamingos are a beloved attraction for visitors. This incident has raised concerns about security at the hotel's wildlife habitat and the treatment of the animals in the care of the resort.

The details

According to police, Fairbarn allegedly broke into the flamingo habitat around 5 a.m. and grabbed the flamingo named 'Peachy', as well as injuring other birds by 'pinning them down' and not letting them escape. Surveillance footage showed Fairbarn returning to his hotel room with the stolen flamingo. Police found evidence of the attack, including bloody feathers, in Fairbarn's room. Fairbarn allegedly told police he 'popped' the bird's wing back into place, claiming he had knowledge of this from being a 'farm boy'.

  • On Tuesday, March 5, 2026, Metro police received a call from the Flamingo hotel about the incident.
  • Around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2026, surveillance footage showed Fairbarn entering the flamingo habitat and stealing the bird.
  • On Wednesday, March 6, 2026, Fairbarn appeared in court for a probable cause hearing, where bail was set at $12,000.

The players

Mitchell Fairbarn

A 33-year-old Canadian tourist who was charged with four counts of felony animal abuse for allegedly stealing and injuring flamingos at the Flamingo hotel in Las Vegas.

Peachy

The name of the flamingo that Fairbarn allegedly stole from the Flamingo hotel's flamingo habitat.

Flamingo hotel

An iconic Las Vegas hotel and casino that is home to a flock of Chilean flamingos, which are a popular attraction for visitors.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Fairbarn is scheduled to appear in court again on Monday, March 9, 2026. The judge ordered him to have no animals in his possession and to surrender his passport.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for improved security measures at the Flamingo hotel's wildlife habitat to protect the safety and well-being of the iconic flamingo flock, which is a beloved attraction for Las Vegas visitors.