THIS is the happy moment dozens of swans were released back in to the Thames today (Tuesday). 

The birds were rescued last week after an oil leak.  Watch the footage, taken by our photographer Mike Swift, of the moment the swans were able to go back home.

Volunteers from Swan Support worked tirelessly on Wednesday, March 8, to rescue dozens of birds from a 5k stretch of water contaminated by diesel oil.

Although the source of the oil leak is yet to be discovered, the team of volunteers were happy to report none of the swans suffered any long-term injuries or illnesses.

Wendy Hermon, founder of Swan Support, said: "We were at River Kennet all day every day from Wednesday to Sunday pulling the swans out while absorbent booms were put in the water to soak up the oil.

"The oil just kept coming down the river and we had to keep the swans away from the most dangerous area. We have washed all of the swans and they have been treated with charcoal, which soaks up any oil that may be in their system.

"Thankfully we have managed to get all of them back in the river. There were more than 50 of them in total, but they are all fine."

Swan Sanctuary and Swan Support were both at Thames Valley Park on Tuesday afternoon putting the swans back into the water.

Although this marks the end of a two-week journey for the animals, mystery surrounds the cause of oil leak.

Previous cases of people deliberately dumping oil have attracted lucrative fines in excess of £50,000 and an investigation is underway to trace the culprits.

Wendy added: "We had a case in High Wycombe almost ten years ago where the owners of a BMW garage were found responsible for dumping oil and they were fined more than £50,000.

"We still don't know how the oil leak started in the first place and we are unlikely to know until someone is prosecuted for negligence.

"It is a serious matter and it affects all animals, not just swans. We are very fortunate that we managed to pull them out in time."

If you see a swan in distress, call Swan Support on 07968 868172.

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