Saturday January 3, 2009, 2:10 pm
I can believe this our little ones do not like upheaval of any kind and during storms and fireworks,our dogs go crazy. Thanks Jacqueline.

Saturday January 3, 2009, 5:45 pm
Well, it's not a sound they hear daily and it even gets under some humans skins. Poor baby.

Saturday January 3, 2009, 7:54 pm
Ban fireworks.

Sunday January 4, 2009, 10:25 pm
It seems so self-evident that non-human beings, who cannot have it explained to them, would panic when fireworks go off. I experienced this with one of my dogs, who was forever terrified of loud noises (guilt guilt guilt). It should also be self-evident that zoos should "batten down" before fireworks: enclose all creatures in the smallest and safest enclosure possible. those of us who have bred/raise/owned birds, such as budgies, have all experienced what we call "night flights" - bird equivalent of a stampede - during which birds will damage or kill themselves from frantically flying into cages/walls etc. Some of us have alarms to let us know when this happens so that we can turn on lights and talk to them to calm them down.
With the technology available today, why would zoos, especially knowing that there WILL be fireworks, why would they NOT set up alarms or videos to alert staff (who should be on 24/7) to what is happening? They could then catch the bird or?... to prevent it from self-injury.
To do anything less seems negligent to me.

Sunday January 4, 2009, 10:38 pm
Madeleine, that is exactly what they should have done, since already knowing how upset they get at firework time. I'm surprised they don't do anything like that. I have a dog, Chaz, who is terrified of thunder and lightening. Before he moved in with me he was a 'chained dog' with very little shelter so I am sure it is because of that. At those times I am sure to be close by his side so that he knows he is safe. He has other quirks also, one being he is terrified of a flashlight beam. Have no idea why that is and the people that I got him from has long ago moved with no forwarding address, least not for us. :) Sorry, didn't mean to get off topic.
Thank you Jacqueline.