More than 100 Muscovy Ducks were suddenly removed from the ponds of Baptist Hospital of Miami. A wildlife officer informed residents that the hospital had arranged for a trapper to remove and euthanize the ducks.

Residents had cared for these ducks every day for several years, and they were part of the community. The loss is deeply distressing, especially because advance notice would have allowed community members to remove them safely and save their lives.

We respectfully request that Baptist Hospital of Miami provide at least seven days’ advance public notice, with clearly posted notices, before any future removal of Muscovy Ducks from hospital grounds.

Advance notice would allow community members to assist with humane, non-lethal removal and private rehoming of ducks. This would also save removal costs for the hospital and support positive relations between the hospital and the community.

Muscovy Ducks are not classified as invasive.  The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has stated in writing: “The FWC does not formally classify Muscovy ducks as ‘invasive.’”

Muscovy Ducks are legally protected.  As FWC has also stated: “Regardless of any animal’s status as native or nonnative, they are protected by anti-cruelty laws in Florida (Chapter 828.12 Florida Statutes). Inhumane treatment of any animal, regardless of its status, is punishable by law.”

Please support humane alternatives to lethal removal of Muscovy Ducks.

Photos of beloved Pata Amarilla, who was suddenly taken from his home.

To obtain a copy of FWC's statement, please click here: