Ask a zookeeper: Do fireworks disturb the animals?

July 3, 2019

Independence Day celebrations have already begun, and at this time of year visitors often wonder whether fireworks disturb the zoo animals. We asked our zookeepers to tell us all about it!

Here’s what they said:

As an Association of Zoos & Aquariums-accredited facility, Happy Hollow upholds rigorous standards for animal management and care, and part of that is ensuring safe, comfortable and stimulating living environments for our animal residents. Every exhibit and nighthouse is carefully designed to provide protection against sights and sounds, from both inside and outside the park and zoo.

Healthy animals have a considerable tolerance for stress. In the wild, animals must adapt to changing weather conditions, as well as competition for food, water and shelter from other animals — both of the same and different species.

The animal care team at Happy Hollow monitors animals closely for signs of stress. At the zoo, animals tolerate brief periods of fireworks and can manage stress with retreat behavior, exercising their ability to run or hide. Some species, like the fennec foxes and primates, may be kept inside their nighthouses to reduce the amount of noise exposure, while other species, like the American alligator will have the option of being outdoors if he chooses.

Though the zoo animals may be a bit confused or excited when the fireworks go off, to them it is probably similar to experiencing a bad storm. Learn more about Happy Hollow’s zoo and animal care here.

This July 4, don’t forget about your pets! More pets are lost on July 4 than any other holiday, so don’t forget to bring them inside and keep them safe.  

Report illegal firework activity online at www.sanjoseca.gov/fireworks