Cologne fireworks festival sparks animal‑rights criticism over security response

During the Kölner Lichter fireworks festival in Cologne, Germany, tens of thousands gathered on Saturday night. Animal‑rights volunteers from the group Team für Tiere were called to assist two injured Canada geese—one on the zoo bridge and another in Rheinpark. The volunteers say the Cologne fire department did not respond, and a security‑service employee initially barred them from the site, allegedly stating the bird should "just die." The volunteers managed to treat the geese despite the obstruction and expressed shock at the staff’s attitude.

Team für Tiere also criticised the city for scheduling the event shortly after the birds’ breeding season, arguing that the timing increased the risk to young, flight‑incapable birds. No independent verification of the incident has been provided.