Sat Nov 16 22:18:21 UTC 2024: ## Baby Red Panda Dies from Fireworks-Induced Stress in Scottish Zoo
**Edinburgh, Scotland** – A three-month-old red panda, Roxie, died at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) on November 5th, Bonfire Night, after choking on her vomit, likely due to stress caused by fireworks, the zoo confirmed. Roxie, who had recently lost her mother, was under specialist care and feeding independently before her death. Zoo officials believe the loud noises from the fireworks displays overwhelmed the young panda, triggering a stress response that led to her vomiting and subsequent choking.
RZSS Deputy Chief Executive Ben Supple stated that fireworks may have also contributed to the death of Roxie’s mother, Ginger, just five days earlier. He called for stricter regulations on the sale of fireworks to protect animals from the fear and distress they cause. The RZSS supports calls for a ban on public firework sales, advocating instead for organized displays only.
While Edinburgh recently implemented controlled zones restricting private firework displays, the RZSS believes these measures are insufficient and urges the public to lobby local governments for a more comprehensive ban. The tragic death of Roxie highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the impact of fireworks on animal welfare in the UK.
First Piper 