THE SWANS found a month ago on a canal in Droitwich covered thick in oil have finally been released back into the wild.
Following the incident on October 19, the birds were taken into Wychbold Swan Rescue where they needed extensive cleaning and treatment.
But now the pair have made a full recovery and were sent off back to where they should be on Friday.
The rescue followed numerous phone calls from residents who discovered the stricken swans on Vines Lane.
They were given medicine through a tube to absorb the oil as well as antibiotics to reduce the risk of enteritis.
Jan Harrigan from Wychbold Swan Rescue said it was one of the worst cases she had seen.
“They have been here for a few weeks now but we have managed to nurse them back to health and are pleased to have been able to release them.
“It’s what we do – we bring them in, we sort them out and we let them go.”
Jan also had a message for anyone using the canal.
“We don’t know where the oil came from, it could have leaked from a container or maybe it was dumped.
“It must be somewhere where the swans go but the ducks don’t as the ducks on that stretch were not affected.
“Swans can be poisoned very easily and without the right treatment they will not survive.
“If anyone sees a swan in distress please give us a call.”
She also urged canal users, such as boaters, runners and dog walkers to report any incidents of oil pollution or anything damaging the canals and the surrounding area.
