Illinois Zoo Euthanizes Flamingo After Child Throws Rock At It

BLOOMINGTON, IL — An Illinois zoo said it was forced to euthanize a flamingo after a child reportedly threw a rock at the animal, severely injuring it. Zoo officials told CBS News that the incident happened Monday when a juvenile guest was skipping a rock into the flamingo habitat.

"Unfortunately, staff determined the best course of action given the animal's injuries was to euthanize the bird," Jay Tetzloff, director of the zoo and Bloomington parks, recreation and cultural arts, said in a statement.

The zoo also said it is working with the child's family to make the incident a learning experience, according to CBS.

According to the City of Bloomington, the flamingo exhibit opened in June 2016 and featured more than 20 greater flamingos, which came to Miller Park Zoo from the Cincinnati and Sedgwick County zoos.

Tetzloff told the Bloomington Pantagraph that the flamingo's leg was broken by the rock.