Flamingo Put Down at Zoo After Child Breaks Its Leg With a Rock

A flamingo had to be put down at an Illinois zoo after a child threw a rock at it. 

The elementary school student was reportedly visiting the bird’s exhibit at Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington when the child threw the rock, breaking the animal’s leg. 

“Unfortunately, staff determined the best course of action given the animal’s injuries was to euthanize the bird,” Miller Park Zoo Superintendent Jay Tetzloff told The Pantagraph newspaper.

The zoo is also reportedly speaking with the child’s family "as they move forward," according to reports. 

Flamingos usually have a lifespan of 30 years. 

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