UK: Baby red panda ‘scared to death by fireworks,’ official says
Red pandas are native to the eastern Himalayas and south western China Credit: RZSS/PA
A baby red panda named Roxie tragically died at Edinburgh Zoo on Bonfire Night, with zoo staff attributing her death to the shock caused by nearby fireworks.
The three-month-old cub, who recently lost her mother, Ginger, was adjusting well to specialized care but was found to have choked on her own vomit, a reaction veterinarians believe was induced by the loud noises.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), which manages the zoo, expressed deep concern over the effects of fireworks on animals and is now urging the UK and Scottish governments to impose stricter regulations.
RZSS deputy chief executive Ben Supple stated, “Roxie had recently lost her mum Ginger but was responding well to specialist care from our expert team and was feeding independently.
“Fireworks can cause fear and distress for pets, livestock, and animals in zoos.” He supports banning public sales of fireworks, allowing them only at organized displays to reduce harm to animals like Roxie.
The zoo argues that while firework exclusion zones may help, they are insufficient to protect animals in facilities like Edinburgh Zoo, where noise can travel from distant sources and cause distress. Supple emphasized that large, city-wide zones would be necessary to shield the animals adequately, as many are sensitive even to lower-frequency sounds.
The tragic incident has intensified calls from animal welfare advocates for more controlled fireworks use, to prevent further harm to wildlife and other vulnerable animals.
