Refrain from fireworks: Hellabrunn Zoo asks everyone to show consideration for animals and environment

With only two days to go until New Year’s Eve, Hellabrunn is once again expressly appealing to the citizens of Munich to refrain from setting off fireworks and firecrackers in the vicinity of the zoo.

The rockets and crackers ignited on New Year’s Eve cause unnecessary stress to animals due to the noise and explosions they generate, which is why Hellabrunn Zoo is asking everyone to show consideration for its residents. It's no secret that setting off fireworks is anything but environmentally friendly or healthy fun, even if this is the traditional way to welcome the New Year. The significant increase in fine particulate emissions, unnecessary CO² pollution of the atmosphere, extreme noise pollution as well as fire and injury risks are a real problem for the park’s fauna and flora. Hellabrunn Zoo is home to several hundred wild and domestic species. It is therefore particularly affected by the bangs and fireworks on New Year's Eve.

Verena Dietl, chair of the supervisory board and mayor, calls on the citizens of Munich to be considerate: "While we understand the need to ring in the New Year in style, we should also think about the animals and plants. I would therefore like to ask all fellow citizens and visitors to Munich not to set off any fireworks or firecrackers near the zoo on New Year's Eve in the interest of animal welfare and to prevent danger."

Zoo director Rasem Baban explains the appeal in more concrete terms: “Less noise pollution, burning smells and fine particles are undoubtedly beneficial for the region’s fauna and of course our own animals. Especially in the immediate vicinity of the zoo, namely the Thalkirchner Bridge, Tierparkstraße, Schlichtweg and Siebenbrunner Straße as well as the public area of the Harlachinger Hang. Here we ask for special consideration and a total refrain from fireworks and crackers in order to protect the animal residents at Hellabrunn, some of which are very sensitive to noise. Thank you for your understanding and support.”

Naturally, the zoo takes safety precautions on New Year's Eve: All shy animals, some of which can move freely between the indoor and outdoor areas of their enclosures at night, will remain in the protected indoor areas on New Year's Eve.