In order to protect the animals, the zoo asks that the current ban on firecrackers around the zoo grounds be strictly observed on New Year's Eve. Loud bangs and flashes of light from fireworks can cause stress and panic among the zoo animals. Pyrotechnics also pose an increased risk of fire, which could have devastating consequences for the zoo.
Deputy Zoo Director Dr. Stefan Stadler warns:
"You have to realize what a devastating effect a single firework rocket can have if it hits highly flammable material. On behalf of our animals and the entire zoo team, we therefore ask you to respect the ban on fireworks."
According to the first ordinance to the Explosives Act (1. SprengV § 23), the setting off of fireworks is prohibited in the vicinity of particularly fire-sensitive facilities such as the zoo anyway.
In order to ensure additional safety, the zoo is deploying a fire watch on New Year's Eve. The zoo is appealing to residents in the surrounding area to refrain from setting off firecrackers and rockets in the streets and courtyards around the zoo.