By Salome Simonia
Photos by Gayane Gasoyan
Selling pyrotechnics is legal, and people are purchasing them at The Station Square bazaar.
Tbilisi, Dec 21 (Tbilisi Times) - In preparation for the New Year’s celebrations, Director of the Tbilisi Zoo, Zurab Gurielidze, said on Wednesday that fireworks bring distress to many zoo animals, so protective measures are going to be implemented.
Visitors at Tbilisi Zoo are observing the Lion Pride. (File Photo. Dec 10)
Gurielidze said they administered anti-depression medication to zoo animals to alleviate the stress caused by fireworks. However, he said that no medication can entirely shield the animals from their anxiety that’s caused by the loud explosions. By expressing concerns, Gurielidze appealed for limitations on pyrotechnics, highlighting the annual distress and fear the animals endure because of fireworks.
Mamuka, Unsheltered dog on Rustaveli Avenue
"We urge our neighbors, particularly those in the vicinity of the zoo, to refrain from using pyrotechnics,” said Gurielidze. “When used at a distance, it's less problematic for the zoo but remains distressing for animals in the surrounding areas, including homeless and feral animals."
The director recounted tragic incidents from the past, revealing that over the last five years, two Wildebeest at Tbilisi Zoo perished due to the effects of pyrotechnics on New Year's Day. One succumbed to fear, while the other fell victim when panicked animals ran uncontrollably. Gurielidze said he advocated for necessary regulations, stressing the importance of involving professionals in the field to establish guidelines, especially the use of pyrotechnics when in close proximity to the zoo.
Zurab Gurielidze, the director of Tbilisi Zoo, warned about the use of fireworks during a press conference held by Kvira media on Wednesday.
Despite these concerns, the sale of pyrotechnics continues in Tbilisi every New Year’s. Vendors offer various types and quantities of fireworks during this period, and when questioned about the potential hazards associated with pyrotechnics, they defer responsibility to the government. Gurielidze said they respond saying that they only sell these devices to adults, leaving the decision to purchase up to the buyers.
There's currently a bill in the Parliament of Georgia aimed at banning the import, possession, sale, and use of pyrotechnics, though it has yet to receive approval.
The rhinoceros, one of the biggest land mammals, can be found at the Tbilisi Zoo. (File Photo, Dec 10)
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