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Rather than being killed, St. Ouen's 'friendly' seagull is actually to be exiled to the Minquiers instead.
Media reports originally stated that Gulliver was to be culled by the Environment Department, leading to public outrage, celebrity support from naturalist Chris Packham and a petition signed by 1,600 Islanders. The bird was becoming known for swooping down on walkers and their pets, leading to fears that someone might be hurt.
But the Environment Minister rejected the reports that Gulliver was to be shot, stating that there had never been any plans to kill the seagull, which the department believes has been hand-reared.
Deputy Steve Luce revealed that Gulliver had now been "...humanely captured by department natural environment officers and is being cared for by the JSPCA." The herring gull will stay at the shelter until it can be released at Les Minquiers, 15km off the south coast of Jersey, later this week. The Department says that having considered a number of options to protect the bird, "it is thought the plentiful supply of food, away from humans, at Les Minquiers provides the best chance for the seagull to live in a natural environment."
Gulliver will travel to the Minquiers on the marine resources vessel, as part of a routine fisheries visit to the reef. It is hoped it will integrate with other seagulls away from human interference.
Pictured: Gulliver playing with an islander's shoes on St.Ouen's beach. (Roisin Clare Kelly)
Deputy Luce added: "All wildlife should be treated with respect and given the best chance to live a natural, productive life. We believe this is the best option, both for those members of the public who have been intimidated by the bird, and for the bird itself to live a life away from interference.
“We have been pleased to see the public support for our wildlife, and the department will continue to work for the best outcome for all those species which share our island with us."
There is of course the risk Gulliver could fly back to Jersey - in which case the Environment Department will have to think again.
Pictured: A video of Gulliver on St. Ouen's beach. (Roisin Clare Kelly)
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