Pinky the Flamingo – one of the biggest draws at a Florida theme park – has been put down after a visitor yanked her out of an enclosure and threw her to the ground.

The 19 year old Chilean flamingo suffered serious injuries in the attack at the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay theme park.

Watch the YouTube video of Pinky here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pgu3kGmgtY

Police arrested Joseph Anthony Carrao, 45, of Orlando, and charged him with animal cruelty.

Joseph Carrao, 45, has been charged with animal cruelty. Photo: Tampa Bay Police

He was at the park with his family on Tuesday evening when, for reasons unclear, he went after the bird in front of other patrons, according to a police statement.

Busch Gardens spokeswoman Karen Varga-Sinka said Pinky was a Chilean flamingo and “one of our animal ambassadors.”

It was believed her dancing was a bid for attention.

“Pinky was a beloved member of the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay family and made many appearances on behalf of the park’s conservation and education efforts,” Varga-Sinka said in a statement.

“She will be sorely missed.”