Tragic Loss: Baby Red Panda Dies Due to Fireworks Stress at Edinburgh Zoo

In a heartbreaking incident at Edinburgh Zoo, a baby red panda named Roxie died after suffering from severe stress caused by fireworks. Experts from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) confirmed on Thursday that Roxie choked on her own vomit due to the distress she experienced on Bonfire Night, a celebration marked by extensive firework displays across the UK.

Roxie, only three months old, passed away on November 5, coinciding with a night of loud explosions and bright lights intended to commemorate a failed 1605 plot to blow up London's Houses of Parliament. Tragically, just days before Roxie’s death, her mother, Ginger, had also died, prompting the RZSS to express deep concerns regarding the impact of fireworks not only on Roxie but on animal welfare in general.

“It is heartbreaking to lose Roxie, especially when she was responding positively to care from our expert team and was feeding independently,” stated Ben Supple, the deputy chief executive of RZSS. “However, despite having access to her den, the terrifying sounds of the fireworks appeared to be too much for her.”

The RZSS is calling for stricter regulations surrounding the use of fireworks, following evidence that they can induce stress in various wildlife. This situation has been echoed by other organizations, such as the RSPCA, which highlighted that thousands of pet owners have reported similar fear-induced responses from their animals during fireworks displays.

In an alarming trend, this recent tragedy is not an isolated case; incidents involving animal fatalities due to fireworks have occurred in the past, including the death of a baby zebra at Bristol Zoo in November 2020 after it was startled by the noise.

Ben Supple emphasized the need for change, urging governmental bodies to reconsider the sale and use of fireworks by the public. “We are advocating for a ban on public sales of fireworks, allowing only organized display events. This would not only protect animals like Roxie but also give people a chance to celebrate without the devastating consequences,” he commented.

Current regulations in the UK permit private firework displays during specific periods, but many believe these rules are insufficient to prevent harm to both domestic pets and wildlife. A 2019 parliamentary inquiry found that while a complete ban on sales might be ineffective, there is a clear need to collaborate with animal welfare organizations to establish tighter controls, including reducing the noise levels of fireworks.

In light of these tragic events, Scotland's Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown has reached out to the UK government to discuss further actions regarding fireworks regulations. Meanwhile, a government spokesperson expressed condolences for Roxie’s death and highlighted an ongoing fireworks safety campaign aimed at promoting the responsible use of fireworks during celebrations.

Fireworks may light up the sky, but as this tragic incident shows, their impact on animal welfare is a serious concern that cannot be overlooked. The hope is that with increased awareness and regulation, future celebrations can occur without suffering.