 The swans had been recovering for two months |
Wildlife enthusiasts are celebrating after the successful release of swans back into the wild. More than 50 birds were rescued after a major oil spill on the River Soar.
On Friday they were brought from the wildlife centre where they had been nursed back to health, to be released en masse.
But the Environment Agency says it is unlikely they will ever find out who dumped the oil which caused the problem.
This badly affected local wildlife and meant 54 swans had to be taken away for special treatment.
Members of the Leicester Wildlife Hospital watched as all of their patients returned to the river.
Settling Down  They knew where they were and it was home  Helen Soames, Leicester Wildlife Hospital |
More than 400 gallons of oil leaked into the river at the beginning of May. Helen Soames of the hospital said: "It's been brilliant. It was such a relief.
"It took so long to box them this morning and we were really worried about transporting them.
"We were worried about getting them down the ramp, getting them into the water, about everything.
"But it was brilliant, it all went so well. They knew where they were and it was home."
The Environment Agency, which investigated the incident, said it had exhausted all lines of enquiry without tracing those responsible.
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