CROW calls for no private use of fireworks
Our wildlife is exposed throughout this season.
With year-end festivities and festivals just around the corner, many Toti residents wait in dreaded anticipation for the fireworks season.
While these spectacular displays bring joy to thousands of spectators, at the same time they reign terror upon the region’s wildlife.
As a result, the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) appeals for residents to think twice before launching fireworks – taking into account the impact their actions can have on both domestic and wild animals.
“When it comes to domestic animals, people can easily stock up on Rescue or other vet approved sedatives to assist their pets through this traumatic time,” said director of CROW, Paul Hoyte.
“What we have to realise is our wildlife is exposed throughout this season.
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 confusion created by the noise pollution of firework displays.”
It’s 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, and on the ground, animals running in fear are known to have fled onto roads – causing them to be hit by passing vehicles.
Following the displays, some scavenging animals have also been known to ingest parts of the fireworks, usually resulting in death.
To try and limit the number of animals that are forced to endure fireworks, the CROW team is now asking people to not hold private firework displays.
The centre also calls for those displays which will go ahead to focus on using low-noise fireworks in order to minimise the impact their event will have on the local wildlife.
“We ask that people rather focus on the light aspect of the displays and not the loud explosions. Kwazulu-Natal boasts a high level of biodiversity, which is something we should collectively protect by making a few sacrifices in order to live harmoniously with all living organisms,” said Hoyte.
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