Story highlights Judge tells defendant alleged act is "beyond senseless," CNN affiliate reports

Joseph Anthony Corrao is charged with felony animal cruelty

(CNN) Pinky, a flamenco-dancing flamingo and animal ambassador at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, died Tuesday after being attacked by a park guest, authorities said.

Tampa police said witnesses reported seeing Joseph Anthony Corrao reaching into the flamingo pen, picking up one flamingo and putting it back down.

Then he grabbed Pinky and his mother told him to leave the birds alone, police said

Corrao, 45, threw Pinky to the ground, nearly ripping one foot off, witnesses told police.

Corrao was prevented from leaving by witnesses.

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