Flamingo euthanised by zoo after child throws rock at it

Zoo says its flamingo suffered from broken leg, after elementary school student threw a rock into exhibit

Flamingos are naturally found in the Middle East and in Africa (Khalid Faraj Al Wadihi / SWNS)

Zoo workers at an Illinois facility have been forced to euthanise a flamingo after a child threw a rock into the animal’s exhibit and hit it.

The unfortunate turn of events was announced by a representative of the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, who told local news that the rock broke the flamingo’s leg.

“A juvenile guest accidentally injured a flamingo on Monday by skipping a rock into the habitat,” Jay Tetzloff, director of the city-owned zoo and parks, recreation and cultural arts department, said.

He continued: “Unfortunately, staff determined the best course of action given the animal's injuries was to euthanise the bird.”

Flamingos can live up to 30 years in the wild, and are found in the Middle East, as well as in Africa.

The animals are often hunted, and their eggs sold for profit.

The Bloomington zoo’s website indicated that it maintains indoor and outdoor exhibits, and hosts a diverse set of animals including reindeer, the Sumatran tiger, bald eagles, red pandas, river otters, red wolves, and gibbons.