Edinburgh Zoo Attributes Baby Red Panda’s Death to Firework Stress

Veterinary experts have concluded that a baby red panda at Edinburgh Zoo passed away due to stress induced by fireworks on Bonfire Night. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) reported that Roxie, a three-month-old cub, suffocated on her own vomit while pyrotechnics were being discharged throughout the city. Roxie’s mother, Ginger, had also died unexpectedly five days prior, and veterinarians indicate they cannot dismiss the possibility that her death was similarly connected to firework noise. Consequently, the zoo is collaborating with animal welfare organizations and other advocates to demand stricter controls on fireworks. Red pandas originate from the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China, but they have been classified as an endangered species, primarily owing to habitat destruction, human intervention, and poaching. Roxie’s birth in July increased Edinburgh Zoo’s captive red panda population to four, with a fifth arriving in Scotland from Whipsnade Zoo in October. However, on October 31, RZSS, the operator of Edinburgh Zoo, disclosed the passing of nine-year-old Ginger, followed by her cub Roxie’s death five days subsequent. Fresh regulations prohibiting firework usage were implemented in four Edinburgh districts from November 1-10; however, the vicinity surrounding the zoo was not encompassed by these restrictions. Ben Supple, RZSS deputy chief executive, stated that baby Roxie had access to her den during Bonfire Night, but the “frightening noises” seemingly proved overwhelming for her. He commented: “Roxie had recently lost her mum Ginger but was responding well to specialist care from our expert team and was feeding independently.” “Very sadly, she choked on her vomit on Bonfire Night and our vets believe this was probably a reaction to fireworks.” “We know that fireworks can cause stress to other animals in the zoo and we cannot rule out that they may have contributed to the untimely death of Roxie’s mother Ginger, just five days’ earlier.” Extensive unrest occurred throughout Edinburgh on Bonfire Night, with projectiles being hurled at police in Gilmerton and Sighthill, and two separate assaults on firefighters reported within the city. Law enforcement officials have carried out multiple arrests, and on Thursday, they verified that four teenage males—one aged 15, one aged 16, and two aged 17—had been indicted for firework-related offenses linked to Bonfire Night in the city. Overall, 13 individuals, ranging from 13 to 40 years old, have faced charges concerning the disturbances on November 5. Firework Control Zones were active in Niddrie, Balerno, Calton Hill, and Seafield, the latter being the location of the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. The Scottish government granted these authorities to local councils in 2022, subsequent to a significant riot in Dundee. Portions of Glasgow were slated to be included in a comparable prohibition, but its implementation was postponed until the following year owing to an administrative oversight by the council. When Edinburgh’s firework control zones were declared in August, the Dogs Trust charity expressed support for a city-wide ban, even though it operates no centers within Edinburgh. RZSS has subsequently advocated for more stringent regulations on fireworks, asserting that they induce fear and distress in pets, farm animals, and zoo inhabitants. The organization has endorsed a petition initiated by Julie Doorne in Grantham, Lincolnshire, which has garnered over a million signatures and been presented to Downing Street. The petition requests: Ben Supple stated that it was “essential” for both the UK and Scottish governments to impose stricter controls on the deployment and commercialization of fireworks. He remarked: “We support calls from animal welfare charities to ban the sale of fireworks to the public, with only light displays being permitted at organised events.” “This would help avoid devastating consequences for animals like Roxie while ensuring that people can still enjoy traditional celebrations.” A representative from the UK government’s department for business and trade commented: “We are sorry to hear of the death of Roxie the panda and our thoughts are with the team who cared for her at Edinburgh Zoo.” “We endeavour to keep pets and the public safe and that’s why we launched new fireworks safety campaign this season to help people use them safely and appropriately.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.