IT’S almost that time of year again.
Parties, festivities, outdoor events – all things loud and beautiful.
But not to the animals and wildlife who are adversely affected by these events, particularly when they involve fireworks.
While these spectacular displays will bring joy to thousands of spectators, they bring terror to pets and wildlife.
As a result, CROW (Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife) is appealing for residents to think twice before launching fireworks, and to consider the impact their actions can have on both domestic and wild animals.
‘Over the years we have seen a spike in CROW admissions directly after an evening of fireworks, resulting in baby animals being unnecessarily orphaned – particularly common among nesting birds and small mammals. Frightened animals flee from the safety of their dens or nests in the confusion created by the noise of a firework display,’ says CROW director Paul Hoyte.
He says it is not just the young which will be affected by displays.
‘For birds, the panic created can cause them to become disorientated, leading to them flying into trees and buildings.
On the ground, animals running in fear are known to flee onto roads where they are hit by passing vehicles.’
Hoyte says that after the fireworks, some scavenging animals have been known to ingest parts of the fireworks, usually resulting in death.
The Centre is also calling for those displays which will be going ahead to focus on using low-noise fireworks to minimise the impact their event will have on the local wildlife.
‘We are appealing to people to focus on the light aspect of the displays – and not the loud explosions.
• For queries and more information on CROW, contact marketing and communications officer Sharl Els on 031 4621127 or at info@crowkzn.co.za
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