A Canadian tourist who stole a flamingo from a Las Vegas hotel casino after a marathon drinking session has been convicted of animal abuse and faces nearly five years in prison.

Mitchell Fairbarn, 34, took the Chilean flamingo from the Flamingo Las Vegas wildlife habitat in March 2026 and took the bird to his hotel room by its neck.

Footage shown at trial captured him smiling as he transported the animal in an elevator. Fairbairn testified he had consumed 30 to 40 beers and thought taking the bird would be “funny”.

His lawyer, Josh Tomsheck, argued the incident was a misguided prank fuelled by alcohol, admitting Fairbarn had made “bad decisions”.

Animal experts told the court the flamingo suffered torn feathers and blood loss. A state veterinarian said the bird has largely recovered but is now more anxious around people.

After hearing from 14 witnesses and reviewing more than 112 pieces of evidence, jurors reached their verdict after about five hours.

Fairbarn remains under house arrest in Las Vegas and cannot leave the U.S. until his sentencing hearing, scheduled for December.