Toucan had a smashed beak after being attacked (Picture: CEN)

A toucan has been left permanently injured after a group of teenagers beat it with a stick until its beak broke off.

The bird, who can no longer eat or drink by itself, now faces the rest of its life being cared for at an animal rescue centre.

The tropical bird was handed over to Animal Rescue Centre Zoo Ave in the city of Alajuela, Costa Rica, after locals witnessed youths laughing while they beat the animal.

Vet Silo Hurtado Pina said: ‘We are exploring the possibility of giving it a prosthesis but even if that is successful it is unlikely it will ever be able to leave the sanctuary.




‘At the moment it is having to be fed by hand and can’t even drink by itself.’

While there is no law in Costa Rica for the mistreatment of animals, the attack has prompted many on social media to condemn the treatment of the bird.

Many have also donated generously to its care.

The rescue centre posted a video and images of the injured bird on their website yesterday with the message: ‘This bird was injured by young people with no respect for wildlife. Help us to reach the conscience of others by sharing these harsh images. We must say no to the mistreatment of animals – they cannot say it for themselves.

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