Photo: BanksPhotos / E+ / Getty Images
Coral Gables, FL - The University of Miami is investigating incidents involving a campus duck named Ivan that was allegedly mistreated.
A video shows a person allegedly kicking the Muscovy duck, and a photo appears to show another person allegedly grabbing the same duck by the wings on the Coral Gables campus.
Ivan is a well-known duck on campus, recognized for being social and frequently approaching students for food or water.
Students quickly identified him in both the video and photo.
The university confirmed that the University of Miami Police Department, the Department of Facilities and Operations, and Human Resources are looking into the incidents and taking appropriate action.
Officials stated that harming wildlife is a criminal offense and that perpetrators will be prosecuted.
Students have suggested that the individuals involved may be university employees, noting that the person allegedly kicking the duck is wearing a dark green polo and a lanyard.
The university did not respond to questions about whether the individuals are staff members.
Muscovy ducks are considered an invasive species in Florida but are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued control measures for the species.
The university has previously removed ducks from campus due to health and safety concerns, including relocating them to Baptist Hospital of Miami in Kendall in 2016 and earlier this school year.
Despite concerns following the incidents, students confirmed on August 23rd that Ivan is alive and unharmed.
Members of the student group UPurr, who reportedly named Ivan, observed the duck on campus allegedly interacting with people’s boots.
Students describe Ivan as friendly and harmless.