Birds return to waterfowl park following oil spill vandalism

Resident birds have begun returning to Broughshane Waterfowl Park in County Antrim following a deliberate act of vandalism that forced the closure of the popular attraction. As the community celebrates the news that birds return to their nest after the site was contaminated by approximately 44 gallons of home heating oil, officials are continuing efforts to restore the facility.

The incident occurred after a heating oil tank at a business premises on Main Street was damaged, causing kerosene to leak into the park's pond. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) was alerted to the spill on October 22 and has since led the cleanup operation. Gary Hayward, chairman of the Broughshane Environment Wildfowl and Wildlife Trust, noted that the agency's swift intervention significantly mitigated the potential damage.

Birds return to their nest

Following the spill, more than 20 birds were transported to the USPCA headquarters for urgent specialist care. All affected animals, including ducks, geese, and swans, required thorough bathing and medical treatment to address the contamination. Despite these efforts, 13 birds died after ingesting the oil. Mr. Hayward confirmed that about 10 to 12 birds have now safely returned to their pens, including black swans and Nenes. While some residual oil remains around the pond's edges, the trust expects to move the remaining birds back once the area is fully cleared.

Thirteen birds died after a vandalized oil tank leaked fuel into a County Antrim waterfowl park.

The Waterfowl Pond management has expressed deep gratitude to the USPCA for their veterinary support and to the public for their ongoing encouragement during the recovery process. While the park remains partially closed with certain pens out of bounds, the return of the flock marks a significant step forward for the site. Police enquiries into the vandalism are currently ongoing, and authorities have appealed for anyone with relevant information to contact them.

Why it matters

The vandalism of a nearby home heating oil tank resulted in the death of 13 birds from the park. This incident highlights the vulnerability of local wildlife habitats to environmental crime and the significant resources required for rehabilitation after such contamination events.