‘Don’t release balloons as they end up killing land, sea creatures’
Marine organisation aims to raise awareness about threat posed by balloons
Local marine conservation organisation Azraq is urging organisations to reconsider balloon releases as we enter the season of celebrations and events.
As part of their #balloonsblow mission, the entity has already reached out to one local developer who released balloons as part of the UAE National Day celebrations, in order to raise awareness of the impacts of balloon releases on birds and marine life, particularly turtles which mistake burst balloons as jellyfish and ultimately die of suffocation.
Managing Director for Azraq Natalie Banks said that many people fail to associate the beauty of a balloon release with the tragedy after these balloons land back on land and in the oceans.
“Dolphins, whales, turtles and many other marine species as well as terrestrial animals such as cows, dogs, sheep, tortoises, birds and other animals have all been hurt or killed by balloons. The animal is usually killed by the balloon blocking its digestive tract, leaving them unable to take in any more food. It slowly starves them to death. The animals can also become entangled in the balloon and its ribbon making the animal unable to move or eat,” Banks said. ■
Sea turtles are particularly at risk because they naturally prey on jellyfish, which balloons can easily be mistaken for, she said.
The #balloonsblow initiative in the UAE follows a similar campaign in the United States. Azraq believes that with just a little awareness and knowledge, organisations are willing to consider alternatives to celebrate special occurrences such as blowing giant bubbles, flying kites or planting trees.