Fireworks go on sale to the public tomorrow but an increasing number of people want to see them banned altogether.
Fireworks can only be sold for the four days leading up to Guy Fawkes, and many local councils have banned their use in public places such as parks or beaches. The SPCA and Wellington Zoo are throwing their weight behind bans.
Wellington Zoo CEO Karen Fifield said Guy Fawkes causes huge amounts of stress for the animals.
"Last year we had a male nyala die as a result from the stress induced from fireworks. One of our keepers found him the next morning, dead in his habitat."
Fifield said the autopsy showed that Skipper the antelope died from high levels of stress.
"It could have been totally preventable, that is really quite distressing. This year we're going to make sure we have security patrolling those fences," she said.
And that's all they can do - unless the government bans the sale of fireworks to the public, then people are legally allowed to let them off on their own property.
A ban is something Wellington Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons is pushing for.
Fitzsimons said animals shouldn't suffer so people can be entertained.
"We can't put the entertainment of people over the welfare of animals".
"The death of an antelope here in Wellington Zoo sparked calls for there to be a ban on people using fireworks near this zoo, but it's not just here. [It's] also Auckland Zoo, they want the public banned from being able to buy fireworks, also the SPCA, the vet association and local government."
The SPCA also backs calls for a ban with preparations already underway to help the animals through a typically traumatic week.
SPCA spokesperson Ros Alford said keeping the animals calm can be difficult.
"We give them extra toys to play with to keep them distracted. We also play music at night time to keep noise levels down, give them extra bedding."
Every year in November the SPCA and Vet Association see a spike in animals needing help.
Alford said it's "disheartening" that fireworks can still be sold despite the harm it does to animals.
"Animals don't know what it's about. They don't get the pleasure that humans do."
A pleasure that the zoo and its animals are hoping will be restricted to just public displays in future.
