Nightly fireworks over Mission Bay disturbing residents, pets, and wild animals

SAN DIEGO – Fireworks displays, a staple of SeaWorld San Diego’s programming, could soon be on the endangered list. SeaWorld typically has nightly fireworks during the summer, and those shows called “Enchanted Wonders,” which are free with park admission, continue this year through Aug. 11. However, there is a growing drumbeat of opposition to this nightly park spectacle. Residents and pet owners alike are increasingly complaining of noise issues presented by SeaWorld’s pyrotechnics, as well as the real threat they pose to pets and wildlife. Just ask the San Diego Humane Society, which is overrun annually after the Fourth of July by “spooked” pets, if fireworks are problematic. Nina Thompson, SDHS’s director of public relations, said statistics don’t lie. She pointed to these stats regarding stray animals turning up at pet shelters from July 4-7: 2025: 253 stray pets; 78 reclaimed by owners (30.83%) 2024: 314 stray pets; 72 reclaimed by owners (23%) 2023: 323 stray pets; 62 reclaimed by owners (25%) 2022: 275 stray pets; 45 reclaimed by owners (16%). “At SDHS, the well-being of animals is at the heart of everything we do,” said Thompson. “In keeping with our mission to create a more humane world for animals, we strongly oppose traditional fireworks displays due to the stress and harm they cause to all animals, including wildlife. “Instead, we encourage communities to embrace alternatives like drone shows, which offer a spectacular, animal-friendly option for celebrations. “Fireworks create loud explosions and bright flashes that can be terrifying for animals. Wildlife also suffers, with birds and other animals being disoriented and injured by the sudden noise and light. The trauma experienced by animals – both domestic and wild – can have lasting effects, from anxiety to physical harm,” Thompson said. “In contrast, drone light shows provide a stunning visual experience without the noise and disruption that fireworks cause,” Thompson said. “These modern displays can still bring communities together for a celebration, all while protecting the welfare of animals and reducing environmental harm. “Drone shows also eliminate the risk of burns, wildfires, and pollution from debris, making them a sustainable option for future generations.” Paige Cavanaugh of Pacific Beach is among those joining a chorus of residents who feel the time has come to end nightly SeaWorld summer fireworks. “I’m at my wits’ end with it,” she said. “What’s worse is that there are so many modern, quiet, and eco-friendly alternatives available. Are we still doing this just because some people enjoy the boom?” Cavanaugh recently sent a letter to District 1 City Council President Joe LaCava and the rest of the council concerning SeaWorld fireworks. Here are excerpts from that letter: “As a pet owner and working in animal health, I see the fear it causes in most animals — fear that seems to grow with each unexpected blast,” Cavanaugh said. “My dogs tremble and hide. Birds scatter. Cats cower. And I know I am not alone in this experience. Companion animals, wildlife, and birds throughout Mission Bay and beyond are affected, night after night. Beyond the animals, the noise shakes our windows, disrupts our peace, and invades our homes. “Additionally, the regular fireworks displays by SeaWorld normalize and encourage private use of illegal fireworks throughout the neighborhood,” Cavanaugh continued in her letter. “When explosions are heard so frequently, it becomes difficult to distinguish between official displays and unsafe, unsanctioned ones. This emboldens individuals to light their own, often with zero regard for fire risk, wildlife, or community safety. The result is more chaos, more noise, and more danger for everyone.” Council President LaCava has taken a stance on the controversial fireworks issue. “The fireworks over Mission Bay night after night must come to an end,” said LaCava. “Massive explosions 150 nights a year impose too great an impact on residents and the environment, and the influx of complaints from residents to my office is proof of that. “I will work with City departments and SeaWorld to see how we can limit the fireworks shows. We can retain celebrations while protecting the community and unique environment of Mission Bay and its surroundings.” LaCava’s office said that discussions with SeaWorld on fireworks are ongoing.