Rhein on flames: fireworks cause excitement in animals in Bad Honnef

Rhine on flames: City wants to check the event and place of fireworks | Honnef today

Bad Honnef - The city of Bonn has announced that it to check the fireworks as part of the "Rhein" event. This measure is understood as a response to reports on the effects of fireworks on the wildlife in the Rheinaue. Videos show how water birds such as swans, geese and ducks are panicked by the noise and light of the fireworks.

The chairman of the Tiereotruf association, Stefan Bröckling, emphasizes that a Schwann could have died in connection with the fireworks. This raises questions about the responsibility of the city of Bonn, which he publicly puts up for discussion. Bröckling emphasizes that it will not be the only animal that may not survive the night, which increases the need for a critical evaluation of the event.

In a current press release, the city of Bonn announced that it commissioned a planning office before this year's fireworks to observe the effects on the bird world. The aim is to collect comprehensive data on the breeding stocks of the water birds and their behavior during fireworks. The final results of this preliminary study should be the basis for further decisions in the sense of nature and species protection.

In addition, the city refers to measures that have already been implemented to improve nature and species protection. The duration of the fireworks was shortened and the volume of the effects was significantly reduced. The efforts to make a more environmentally friendly event also reflect on the use of sustainable materials and the introduction of a drone show.

The agreement between the city and the organizer of "Rhein in Flames" runs up to and including 2026, while parallel considerations for the future design of the event are made taking into account nature conservation aspects. The city sees the cultural and emotional importance of the event that has been taking place for almost 40 years, and balances it with the necessary ecological considerations.