Sun Nov 17 03:48:24 IST 2024: ## Baby Red Panda Dies from Fireworks Stress, Sparking Calls for Tighter Restrictions
**LONDON** – A three-month-old red panda, Roxie, died after choking on her vomit, a likely reaction to fireworks, just five days after her mother’s death, according to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). The incident, which occurred on Bonfire Night (November 5th), has reignited calls for stricter regulations on public firework sales.
RZSS veterinary experts determined that the stress induced by fireworks likely caused Roxie’s death. While she was receiving specialist care after her mother, Ginger, passed away, the loud noises triggered a reaction resulting in her choking. The RZSS also suggested that fireworks may have contributed to Ginger’s death.
This tragic event comes as a million-signature petition calling for tighter firework restrictions was delivered to the UK government. RZSS Deputy Chief Executive Ben Supple stated that fireworks cause significant distress to animals, urging the government to restrict public sales and allow only organised displays. He voiced support for a complete ban on public firework sales.
Edinburgh recently implemented limited firework restrictions, but RZSS believes more comprehensive measures are needed nationwide to protect animals from the harmful effects of fireworks. Supple emphasized that stricter regulations would allow for continued celebrations while preventing future animal tragedies like Roxie’s.
First Piper 