Friends, families and festivities. There’s so much to celebrate throughout the year.

While you plan your occasions, the Louisville Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) would like to remind you: “Don’t Let Go.”

Balloons may seem like fun festive decor but released balloons can drift for hundreds of miles littering landscapes and harming wildlife — both marine and terrestrial animals are at risk. These animals can become entangled in the balloon strings or even mistake the balloons for food. Sea turtles are particularly at risk because they mistake the balloons as their natural prey: jellyfish! The resulting intestinal blockage has tragic side effects.

The good news is that there are plenty of other moving, festive and eco-friendly ways to mark an occasion. Flags, banners, garden spinners, pinwheels and even tissue paper pompoms are all very eye-catching, reusable, and can even be hand-made and customized for your special event.

Need a serene and uplifting way to mark an occasion? Bubbles are a beautiful choice and people of all ages can participate. You can also create a spot of remembrance by planting native plants, a tree or by using a wildflower seed bombs. You’ll create a place to visit again and again, all while providing needed habitat for native wildlife. Now that’s a reason to celebrate!

Click here to learn more about what you can do to prevent balloons from harming wildlife.