An oil spill on Heaton Park boating lake has left several waterbirds needing urgent treatment, with one bird sadly put to sleep despite rescue efforts.
Rescue operation launched after contaminant report
Kirklees Valley Wildlife Rescue confirmed they attended the park on Wednesday and Thursday (October 7 and 8) to rescue affected waterfowl. The Heaton Park and Hall Facebook account confirmed the charity had 'temporarily rehomed' the birds due to a report of a contaminant in the water.
"Our Estates team are taking advice from the Environment Agency to address this issue," they said. "Please remember to stay safe around our water sites whilst enjoying the Park."
One bird put to sleep despite efforts
In an update on Sunday (October 11), the rescue centre shared photos of the birds being rescued, with the tragic update that one had to be put to sleep.
"An oil spill at Heaton Park boating lake left several birds in need of urgent help," they said in the post. "From Wednesday morning through to Thursday, our rescue team were involved in responding to an oil spill at Heaton Park boating lake, working to rescue affected waterbirds and get them the specialist care they desperately needed."
The rescued birds were transferred to RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre for specialist treatment and rehabilitation. Sadly, despite the efforts involved, one bird had to be put to sleep.
Public support and donations
The charity noted: "Incidents like this are a stark reminder of just how vulnerable our wildlife is to pollution, and how quickly an otherwise peaceful habitat can become a dangerous environment for the animals that depend on it."
They added: "We'd like to thank everyone involved in the rescue efforts and the team at Stapeley Grange for taking these birds into their care. If you'd like to support our rescue work, please consider making a donation. Your kindness helps us continue being there for wildlife in need."
Members of the public reacted with concern, with Amber Freya writing: "How has this happened? These poor beautiful animals. They deserve to live in a safe and clean environment." Donations can be made at kirkleesvalleywildlife.org/donate.
