Here's a concerning message we were sent about a huge fireworks display close to caged animals in this area. It is probably too late for anything to be done about it this year, but any complaint you make now may encourage taking into consideration the well being of the animals at Beale Park in future years. Fireworks displays are planned very far in advance and so it would not be too soon to ask them to change their displays to more animal-friendly ones in future.

From Ban the Bang

(pleae note this message below comes from Ban the Bang which appears to be a peaceful and law-abiding organisation. Please only respond to their call to action in a respecful and law abiding manner)

A few days ago we received a disturbing letter from a supporter in the Reading area of the UK telling us about a huge firework display taking place on the 4th November at an animal and wildlife park. Yes, you read that right ... a firework display inside a park which homes hundreds of animals and birds. Although we first wondered if the correspondence was a "wind-up" through its unbelievable claim, we are now appalled to learn that the allegation is true.

An animal park presenting a loud aerial firework display is an irresponsible activity, and sends out an entirely inappropriate message to the public, as well as obviously causing stress to their animals and birds.

Ban the Bang has campaigned for over 5 years to ban fireworks that cause distress to animals and also presents sensible, non-killjoy proposals. In that time we have compiled a huge dossier of incidents describing death, injury and loss of wildlife and pets, (including animal death from firework displays near sanctuaries), all which indisputably proves the link between animal suffering and excessive fireworks. (Read the comment pages on Ban the Bang).

If you read Beal Park's "about us" page on their website you would be given the impression of a tranquil, responsible charity providing an ideal haven for rare birds and animals. But when you see the front page of their site, the commentary of "Bangs, pops and whizzes accompany the bright lights over Beale Park" sends out a contradictory message. These kind of commercialised wildlife attractions are often focussed to pull in money through fun events. Fairground rides and puppet shows are fine ... Huge firework displays at a zoo / animal park are irresponsible, and show no consideration for the animals in their keep.

We now ask you to take immediate action in any legal way you can, whether you live in Reading, Berkshire, the surrounding counties or anywhere in the UK or Europe.

Write a letter of complaint to Beale Park - use the contact form on their website or write to them in person.

If you live in the Reading area contact your local press, TV and radio. (Please note that a local radio station called Reading 107 fm are actually taking part in the firework display).

On a national scale, contact the national press and TV. Contact your local MP, wherever you live. Contact your local animal rescue / environmental group particularly if you live in the Berkshire area. Contact Ban the Bang via the email address below if you know of any other zoo or animal park that is also holding a firework display (or air display).

We learn that Beale Park have been giving these displays for the past 11 years (and apparently getting bigger each year) and they will therefore continue to hold them if we don't put a stop to it now.

Please take action against this now. There is no time to loose. Feel free to pass this message on.

A Final Note

To put this absurd behaviour by an animal park into clear perspective, just a couple of weeks ago in a Czech zoo, three young giraffes died when a power cut spooked them into a panic. As the lights flickered on and off while power was attempted to be restored, the animals thrashed back and forth, banging their heads until they died of their injuries.

Now imagine what multiple flashes and ear-damaging bangs are doing to animals in any zoo or wildlife park with fireworks or even air displays.

To contact Ban the Bang, email Show email address..