RSPB speaks out following 'rogue' warden footage

The RSPB has commented after a video emerged of one of the charity's wardens stamping on a sick Great Skua.

The video, published on the Express website, shows warden Ibrahim Alfarwi chasing the skua on Coquet Island before treading on its tail and beckoning volunteers over. According to the Express, an eyewitness accused him of 'torturing' the bird by standing on it for four minutes, before wringing its neck.

As a result of the footage, a RSPB spokesperson said: "We are aware of this video, which was filmed in summer 2022, and which breaches our own high standards and procedures. We are sorry for the way this bird was treated and have fully investigated the circumstances surrounding the incident.

"While we can't comment on details of specific cases, the individual in the video was instructed to catch the bird in order to prevent further suffering and the spread of bird flu. Action has now been taken. The person with responsibility and accountability for Coquet Island at that time is no longer employed by us.

"The RSPB is committed to maintaining the highest standards of management of birds on our nature reserves."

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A still from the footage of Mr Alfarwi (Solent News via Express.co.uk).

 

RSPB speaks out

A volunteer, who took the recording but wishes to remain anonymous, is quoted in the Express article as being shocked and disgusted at the 'rogue' behaviour.

According to the Express, Mr Alfarwi revealed he still works for the RSPB and that the video was taken without his consent. He said: "The bird was unwell, suffering and had been on the island for several days. I was instructed to dispatch the bird by my manager to end its suffering.

"The bird was quickly and humanely dispatched and there was no widespread blood splatter as alleged. I was not wearing the correct PPE as my manager did not provide this for me.

"The RSPB was made aware of this video (filmed in 2022) the following year (2023) and the content and circumstances surround it were fully investigated. The person with accountability and responsibility for the island at the time of the video, my manager, no longer works for the RSPB."

 

Shocked witness

The video has attracted comment from the RSPCA, who said: "This video is distressing and we welcome the RSPB's swift handling of this incident, which happened in 2022. We understand the challenges of dealing with avian influenza but the welfare of animals must always be a priority."

Coquet Island was severely impacted by bird flu in 2022, though there were signs of immunity among some species last year.