Resident birds have returned to Broughshane Waterfowl Park in County Antrim following an oil spill that killed 13 animals. The popular local attraction reopened after closing due to the contamination caused by a vandalised home heating oil tank.
Recovery and Cleanup Efforts
Gary Hayward, chairman of the Broughshane Environment Wildfowl and Wildlife Trust, stated that around 10 to 12 birds have come back, including two black swans and Nenes. Hayward told BBC News NI that the animals are safely back in their enclosures and are fortunately healthy. He noted that very little oil remains because the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) removed the majority of it. Hayward praised the agency, saying they reduced potential problems significantly, though some oil lingers around the edges before birds can return to those specific pens.
The incident began on Thursday, 22 October, when the NIEA was first notified and began clearing the oil waste. The agency identified the substance as kerosene or home heating oil. Police reported that approximately 44 gallons, equivalent to 200 litres, leaked from a damaged tank located at a business property on Main Street in Broughshane. Authorities confirmed that police investigations are continuing and appealed for anyone with information to contact them.
Rescue and Community Support
More than 20 birds were evacuated to the USPCA headquarters for urgent specialist care. The USPCA explained that geese, ducks, and swans required washing and treatment due to heavy contamination, though tragically several birds had already ingested lethal amounts of oil and died. The Waterfowl Pond expressed gratitude to the USPCA for caring for the animals, stating they were deeply thankful for the assistance. The park also acknowledged public support, calling it another positive step forward that would have been impossible without the community.
In a social media statement, The Waterfowl Pond confirmed that remediation work is ongoing to clean up the oil contamination completely, keeping certain pens restricted for now.
