Zoo animals will be
insulated from the
fireworks

By Eloise Aguiar
Star-Bulletin

The animals at Honolulu Zoo have been through it all before.

But officials there are taking a few extra steps tonight to ensure their 1,200-plus animals endure the end-of-the-year fireworks ritual in good fashion.

"They go through it every year and they do get stressed out," said zoo director Kenneth Redman. "But they survive it every year," and no problems are expected.

The animals will be locked into their sleeping and feeding areas, as most of them usually are, he said. Gibbons and lemurs normally are left on four island exhibits, but they too will be confined.

Additionally, more lights will be burning because "with the flashing, bursting fireworks, if you have lights on, the contrast will be diminished," the zoo director said.

Redman, the zoo veterinarian, three people who volunteered to spend the evening, the night keeper and extra security guards will calm any anxious animals and discourage firecrackers in the area.

Redman said he wouldn't think of denying people their celebration, although he wants them to think first.

"Enjoy the coming of the new year," he said. "This is a once in a lifetime event. But I would encourage people to not go where it has such an impact on your neighbors, friends and animals."