A teenager threw a rock at the flamingos at Busch Gardens, according to Tampa police.

TAMPA – A teenager has been accused of animal abuse after he hit a flamingo with a rock, the Tampa Police Department said.

Julian Antonio Marquez, 19, of Lehigh Acres, was arrested Friday (June 2) and charged with one count of aggravated cruelty to animals.

Police were called to Busch Gardens, 10165 N McKinley Drive, about 5:49 p.m. because someone had thrown a rock at one of the flamingos. One of the flamingos was hit, police said, causing it to fall and seriously injuring the bird. Witnesses said Marquez had thrown the rock.

A Busch Gardens spokesperson said the flamingo had not been injured and was back with the flock.

This is the second time in less than a year that someone has tried to injure one of the entertainment venue’s flamingos. In August, Joseph Anthony Corrao, 45, of Orlando, was charged with felony animal cruelty after officers said he reached into the flamingo pen and picked up Pinky, then threw her to the ground. Pinky, known worldwide for dancing, was severely injured with one foot being nearly severed. Pinky had to be euthanized.

For information about the Tampa police, go to tampagov.net.

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