WEST Midland Safari Park chiefs have been labelled “irresponsible” by an animal protection charity for their plans to host a fireworks display on its grounds this weekend.

The Captive Animals’ Protection Society said the popular tourist attraction showed “a complete disregard for the welfare of the animals involved”, as they could become frightened and stressed by the display.

The Bewdley safari park will be holding the event on Saturday with late-night rides and safari illuminations but a spokeswoman for the attraction said the event had never caused the animals any distress.

Liz Tyson, director of the animal charity, said, however, it was “common knowledge that animals can find fireworks immensely stressful and frightening”.

She added: “It is also astounding that the [safari park] are proudly publicising their sea lion show as part of the night’s entertainment.

“With moves towards a ban on the use of performing wild animals in circuses being supported by the majority of the British public, it is shocking that a [safari park] which purports to be focused on species conservation still features this sort of exploitation as part of its visitor experience.”

The safari park spokeswoman added: “The fireworks festival has been held here for the past 30 years.

“We’ve had local vets on duty and there’s never been any distress caused to the animals whatsoever during that time.

“It’s a longstanding event.

The animals are not under any stress. It’s been proven in the past. It’s going to be another sellout