Balloon danger: Don't let go

The remains of this Jay were recently found in a West Sussex woodland. The unfortunate bird had become trapped in a balloon ribbon and would have likely have starved slowly to death. Released balloons, especially those with attached strings or ribbons, are a serious threat to wildlife and livestock.

Warning: video contains distressing content 

Film by Mick Jenner / Nature-on-film

Sussex Wildlife Trust believes that balloons should not be released due to the damage they cause to the environment and wildlife. 

When they enter marine and terrestrial ecosystems, balloons are a major threat to wildlife. They have been found in the digestive systems of seabirds, turtles, livestock and marine mammals and their string and ribbon can cause problems through entanglement.  

The release of balloons is an act of littering which causes avoidable damage to both the marine and terrestrial environments. 

Alternatives to balloon releases include planting flowers, blowing bubbles and using natural petals or rice as confetti.