The sacred ibis, a striking black-and-white wading bird native to Africa, escaped from the Branféré zoo in the Morbihan region during the 1990s. Since then, it has established a stable population in the area. The first known cases of wild reproduction were recorded in 1994, and by 2007, the population had grown to around 5,000 individuals along the Atlantic coast. These birds were originally brought to France from Kenya between the mid-1970s and late 1980s and have since spread across a wide area, from the Gironde region to Finistère, with significant colonies in Loire-Atlantique, Vendée, and the Gulf of Morbihan. The sacred ibis has shown remarkable adaptability to the local environment. Unlike many birds that migrate long distances, it tends to move only short distances along the coast after the breeding season. This behavior, along with its varied diet, has allowed the species to thrive in wetlands, mudflats, and freshwater ponds. However, its presence has sparked ecological concerns. The bird is known to prey on the eggs and young of protected species like terns and sandpipers, leading to conservationists initiating culling campaigns to control its numbers. One such operation in Loire-Atlantique resulted in the killing of over 1,300 birds in a single month. The culling of sacred ibises has been a subject of controversy. A 2013 study by researcher Loïc Marion, published in the journal Comptes Rendus Biologie, suggested that the bird's impact on local biodiversity was not as severe as previously believed. This finding sparked debate, with critics arguing that the culling efforts were excessive compared to the actual threat posed by the species. Despite these discussions, the European Union classified the sacred ibis as an invasive exotic species of concern in 2016. This classification banned its importation, breeding, transportation, commercialization, or intentional release within the EU. The situation in Brittany highlights broader issues surrounding the management of non-native species. It raises questions about how to balance ecological protection with the reality that some introduced species have become well-established in new environments. The case of the sacred ibis underscores the complexities of conservation policy, where decisions must weigh the potential harm of invasive species against the ethical and practical challenges of controlling or eradicating them.