UK safari park slammed for hosting fireworks event

Stock photo, West Midlands Safari Park: Rex

A UK safari park has been branded "irresponsible" by an animal protection charity over its plans to host a fireworks display on its grounds.

West Midland Safari Park chiefs have come under fire for the planned bash, which the Captive Animals' Protection Society has labelled "a complete disregard for the welfare of the animals involved".

They say the animals could become frightened and stressed by the display, which will be held by the poplar tourist attraction on Saturday.

Late-night rides and and safari illuminations will also be on offer.

Liz Tyson, director of the animal charity, said it was "common knowledge that animals can find fireworks immensely stressful and frightening".

She told the Kidderminster Shuttle: "It is also astounding that the [safari park] are proudly publicising their sea lion show as part of the night's entertainment.

"With moves towards a ban on the use of performing wild animals in circuses being supported by the majority of the British public, it is shocking that a [safari park] which purports to be focused on species conservation still features this sort of exploitation as part of its visitor experience."

But a spokeswoman for the park denied the event would stress its animals, saying: "The fireworks festival has been held here for the past 30 years.

"We've had local vets on duty and there's never been any distress caused to the animals whatsoever during that time.

"It's a longstanding event."

She added: "The animals are not under any stress. It's been proven in the past. It's going to be another sellout."

The news comes just as, last month, animal rights groups called for an investigation into the way some of Britain's leading zoos are being hired out for raucous drink and drug-fuelled parties.



Sign up to our weekly newsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a fan on Facebook