During Deepavali, the city’s rescue centers report more than a hundred injuries of various types related to fireworks and flashes
During Deepavali celebrations, wildlife rescue centers in Bengaluru saw an increase in injuries to birds and animals, largely caused by fireworks and lights. Between October 30 and November 4, the Avian and Reptile Rehabilitation Center (ARRC) reported 126 multi-species rescues, including 109 birds, 11 reptiles and 6 mammals. While not all cases were directly linked to Deepavali, the festival’s impact on wildlife remains a matter of concern, especially when migratory birds pass through the region.
Wildlife experts emphasize that loud fireworks and bright lights can disrupt the natural behavior of animals. For example, snakes are sometimes driven from their usual habitat due to increased activity around them. Birds, especially those that migrate, rely on environmental cues, such as moonlight and starlight, to navigate. When artificial light masks these, they can become disoriented, leading to dangerous collisions with buildings and windows. “We recently received a Fork-tailed Drongo Cuckoo, a winter migrant to Bengaluru, from the heart of the city.
The bird had suffered serious eye damage, probably due to a collision. Unfortunately, it did not survive,” said Subiksha Venkatesh, chief rehabilitator.
ARRC noted that common injuries suffered by rescued wildlife during this period include head trauma, fractures and eye damage from collisions. Young birds and animals can also fall from their nests if their parents flee in panic due to the noise, sometimes leading to abandonment. The ARRC has urged the public to reduce noise and light pollution during festivals, noting: “Preserving natural darkness is crucial for wildlife and has conservation value for all. By being aware of our impact we can help protect the natural world,” said Subiksha.
The People for Animals (PFA) Wildlife Rescue Center also reported a large number of injuries due to Deepavali celebrations. On October 31, a short-nosed fruit bat with a wing injury arrived at the center, and on November 1, several birds, including an Indian cuckoo, White-rumped Munia, Indian nightjar, two barn owls and four black kites, were captured. brought in with trauma and burns. On November 2, two bonnet macaques were also rescued with serious fractures and burns.
Colonel Dr. Navaz Shariff, chief veterinarian at PFA Hospital, explained the suffering that fireworks can cause to animals. “The loud noise causes panic, leading to collisions, falls and fractures. Bright light disorients animals, sometimes causing them to flee and hide, increasing the risk of injury,” he said. The center’s medical staff has treated animals for severe second- and third-degree burns, wing and limb fractures in birds, and broken limbs in bonnet macaques.
Dr. Shariff described the intensive treatment efforts needed to help injured wildlife. “We perform procedures such as intramedullary pinning and plating for fractures and suture repair for patagium injuries in bats. We also perform ultrasound for suspected internal injuries, wound cleaning, suturing and fluid therapy. Dehydrated animals are hand-fed,” he said. Despite their best efforts, some animals do not survive due to the severity of their injuries.
Loud noises cause panic, leading to collisions, falls and fractures. Bright light disorients animals, causing them to flee and hide
–Dr. Navaz S, PFA
Dr. Shariff also urged the community to consider the impact of fireworks on animals and avoid their use. “We ask everyone to consider the enormous suffering fireworks cause to wildlife. Let’s protect our furry and feathered friends,” he said.
As wildlife centers in Bengaluru continue their rescue work, experts emphasize the need for greater awareness and responsible celebration practices. By reducing the use of fireworks, they say, citizens can help create a safer environment for the many creatures that share the city’s natural spaces.