The use of fireworks is detrimental to many pets as well as animals living in the wild and in zoos, and can have fatal consequences for them. This according to the Freedom for Animals and Bratislava Zoo civic associations, who are urging people to be more considerate during New Year's Eve celebrations. Bratislava Zoo is entreating inhabitants of Bratislava to refrain from using small explosives and flares.
"Animals such as rhinoceroses, kangaroos, antelopes, giraffes and primates particularly suffer from various digestive problems during New Year's Eve celebrations due to high levels of stress and anxiety. Their potential response to the stressful situation can be also an attempt to flee, during which serious injuries could be sustained, for instance, by crashing into the fencing. That's what happened in the past to a female llama, which died after the collision," said Alexandra Ritterova of the Bratislava Zoo.
Safety cannot be guaranteed even by putting the animals indoors. Some chimpanzees have even attacked members of their own group. In the days following the fireworks, some animals might be afraid to return outdoors and might not cooperate with their keepers, despite being familiar with them.
