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Birds return to waterfowl park after oil vandalism
Broughshane Waterfowl Park in County Antrim has reopened and resident birds have returned after an oil spill killed 13 birds and injured others. The incident followed vandalism of a nearby home heating oil tank, which sent oil into the pond and forced the popular attraction to close.
More than 20 birds were taken to the USPCA’s headquarters in Newry for urgent veterinary care. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency was alerted on 22 October and has helped remove oil waste; clean-up work continues and some pens remain closed. The park was home to 120 birds and has been open for 13 years.
In short
- The park has reopened after an oil spill killed 13 birds.
- More than 20 birds received specialist care.
- Oil clean-up continues and some pens remain closed.
Explained simply
Broughshane Waterfowl Park is a public attraction in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, where visitors can see resident water birds. It has been open for 13 years and was home to about 120 birds.
Home heating oil is stored in tanks at homes and can pollute waterways if it leaks or is spilled. The park’s pond and bird pens depend on clean water, so an oil spill can harm wildlife and disrupt visitors’ access.
The USPCA is an animal welfare organisation that provides veterinary care, while the Northern Ireland Environment Agency deals with environmental protection and pollution. Their roles help explain how injured birds are treated and how oil waste is removed after a spill.