Vandalised Oil Tank Kills 13 Birds at Antrim Wildfowl Park
Thirteen birds have died after heating oil spilled into the ponds at Broughshane Waterfowl Park in County Antrim. The oil came from a nearby home tank that was vandalised, and the agency traced it there.
The spill and the first response
A volunteer arrived on the Thursday morning to feed the birds. The volunteer smelt kerosene on the walk through the park and found the black swans covered in oil. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency says it was first alerted on Thursday 22 October.
The agency confirmed the substance was home heating oil and traced it to a tank close by. Its inspectors set out booms that soak up oil, along with other protective steps. The pond is in much better shape, and the agency will keep working until the job is judged done.
The attraction has closed while the oil is cleared from the pond. Police want to hear from anyone who knows something about it.
Care for the survivors
More than 20 birds went to the headquarters of the USPCA last week for specialist treatment. The death toll has kept rising since.
Siobhan Hawthorn, wildlife supervisor at the USPCA, said the birds had to be washed and treated at once, given how heavily they were contaminated. They were given doses of charcoal to counter toxins they had swallowed. Some did not reach the centre soon enough and had taken in too much.
The group includes geese, ducks and swans. Hawthorn said birds hide illness well, so symptoms can show only when it is almost too late. Staff do not know how long they will be caring for the survivors, and the work has put the team under emotional and mental strain.
Most of the birds are not native species. They cannot go back until the pond is completely cleaned and cleared.
A volunteer trust's loss
The park is home to 120 "collection birds" as well as wild ones. Gary Hayward, chairman of the Broughshane Environment Wildfowl and Wildlife Trust, called the incident a "nightmare" and said the trust was devastated. Some of the birds lost were very close to the trust.
He praised the USPCA and the environment agency for treating the sick birds and clearing the spill. He hopes the case will deter others, and wants people to understand what vandalising heating tanks can cost.
Our take
One act against a household tank has closed a popular attraction and cost the wildlife trust some of its birds. Vandalism of a home oil tank can reach well beyond the property it targets.
Police are still looking for information, and most of the birds in care cannot return until the pond is fully clean.
Source: BBC News