The tragic death of a rare baby red panda named Roxie at Edinburgh Zoo has been linked to stress caused by fireworks, leading experts to call for stricter regulations on firework usage. The three-month-old cub died on Bonfire Night, with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) stating that there was likely a connection to fireworks being set off in the city center.
Roxie’s mother, Ginger, had also passed away just five days before Roxie’s death, with noise from fireworks believed to have played a role in her demise as well. The RZSS emphasized the importance of conservation efforts for red pandas, as the species is considered endangered with only an estimated 2,500 remaining in the wild.
Ben Supple, deputy chief executive at the society, expressed sadness over Roxie’s death and highlighted the impact of fireworks on animals in the zoo. He mentioned that the frightening noises from the fireworks may have contributed to the untimely deaths of both Roxie and Ginger.
In response to the tragic incident, Edinburgh City Council voted to ban the use of fireworks in certain parts of the city around Bonfire Night. However, animal welfare advocates are pushing for more significant measures, such as prohibiting the sale of fireworks to the public and only allowing light displays at organized events.
The call for stricter regulations on fireworks stems from concerns about the well-being of animals like red pandas and the potential dangers of fireworks, especially when misused. The RZSS and other animal welfare organizations are advocating for a balance between traditional celebrations and the protection of wildlife in the face of increased firework-related incidents.
As the debate over fireworks continues, the focus remains on preventing further tragedies like the deaths of Roxie and Ginger. The importance of responsible firework usage and the impact on animals in captivity and in the wild are key considerations in the ongoing conversation around firework regulations.
