PORT-OF-SPAIN – THE Independence Day fireworks display on Saturday at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of Spain, was louder than previous years and staff at the Emperor Valley Zoo had difficulty in keeping the animals calm.
The annual Independence evening event was sponsored by ANSA McAl and carried out by Fireone Fireworks.
In a Facebook post, the zoo stated:
“The Emperor Valley Zoo is again pleading with event organisers to be considerate of all animals with respect to noise levels.
“Tonight’s Independence fireworks celebrations was moved closer to the zoo’s location. Noise levels experienced at the zoo tonight was significantly louder than previous years.
“There was increased difficulty to keep all animals calm during the 30 minutes of continuous loud explosions despite extensive preparations and all staff present.
“Even after the fireworks ended, animal care takers are still trying to restore peace and comfort.”
In a post on Saturday also, the zoo praised former cricketer Brian Lara for his consideration during an event hosted at his home at Chancellor Hill which is near to the zoo.
The zoo had previously criticised an event at the same venue that caused the animals to become uneasy.
The zoo stated:
“Special thanks to Mr Brian Lara for his kind considerations tonight. An event is currently being hosted at his residence and Mr Lara personally came across to the zoo at 9:35pm to hear the music volume.
“He believed the music to be too loud and returned to his residence to immediately lower the volume.
“Thank you, Mr Brian Lara, the animals and staff truly appreciate your kind gesture.”
