Birds return to waterfowl park after oil vandalism

Two adult black swans stand on either side of three fluffy grey cygnets in a grassy, woodland enclosure. The swans have dark plumage and bright red beaks, while the young birds cluster together on the ground between them. Dense green vegetation, trees, and a small pond are visible in the background, creating a natural, sheltered habitat. The photo is taken from a low angle, placing the swan family prominently in the foreground.

Resident birds have returned to Broughshane Waterfowl Park after an oil spill which caused the death of 13 of the flock.

The popular attraction in County Antrim was forced to close after a nearby home heating oil tank was vandalised, causing the oil spill into the pond.

In a post on social media, The Waterfowl Pond confirmed that work is still underway to address the oil contamination and that a number of pens remain out of bounds.

More than 20 birds were transported to the USPCA's headquarters for urgent specialist care following the incident.

The park, which was home to 120 birds, has since reopened.

Hayward said they are back safely in their pens and they are lucky to be healthy.

A composite image of the birds which returned to the pond. On the left the birds are grey and white with black stripes. The swann in the right hand side picture is black with a red beak.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) was first alerted to the incident on Thursday 22 October and have been involved in removing the oil waste.

The agency said the substance involved had been identified as home heating oil or kerosene.

Police said about 44 gallons (200 litres) of oil had leaked from the tank which had been damaged at a business premise in the Main Street area of Broughshane.

Hayward said that there is very little evidence of the oil left as the NIEA have removed the majority of it.

"They have made problems a lot less than they could have been," he told BBC News NI.

He said there is still some oil around the edges, and once the oil leaves the pens the birds will be moved back into them.

Man looking at camera wearing a green jacket and navy t-shirt. There is a forest behind him.

The USPCA has also been a key part of the rescue operation.

They said that all of the birds, including geese, ducks and swans, needed bathed and treated due to the level of contamination they suffered.

Unfortunately some had already ingested too much and died as a result.

A black swan lying on a muddy ground coated in an oily substance. It has a red beak.

The Waterfowl Pond offered thanks to the USPCA for looking after the birds.

"We are truly grateful for everything you have done."

It also paid tribute to the support received from the public.

"It's another positive step forward for our park, and we couldn't have got here without you."

Police have said that enquiries into the incident are ongoing and have appealed to anyone with information to come forward.

Original source Birds return to waterfowl park after oil vandalism

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