AN ENDANGERED baby red panda died at Edinburgh Zoo following stress from fireworks on Bonfire Night.
The zoo reported that Roxie heartbreakingly choked on her own vomit following stress caused by the loud explosions of nearby unregulated fireworks.
The cub – born to parents Bruce and Ginger on 17 July – was less than four months old when she passed away on 5 November.
Shockingly, it’s reported that mother Ginger also passed away just five days earlier, in what was believed to be another incident caused by stress from pyrotechnics.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has now joined calls to ban the sale of fireworks to the public following the harrowing event.
Currently the sale of fireworks is unrestricted with anyone over the age of 18 being able to by the explosives.
The RZSS has joined a petition aimed at the Scottish Government to add restrictions on the sale of pyrotechnics to the public following the two tragic losses.
Red pandas are an endangered species with only a small population remaining in the wild and few in captivity across the world.
Edinburgh Zoo was home to five red pandas, Bruce, Ginger, Roxie, Priya and Kevyn, with the number having sadly dwindled down to three.
Ben Supple, RZSS deputy chief executive, said: “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.
“Roxie had access to her den, but the frightening noises seem to have been too much for her.
“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.”
“Fireworks can cause fear and distress for pets, livestock and animals in zoos, so it is essential that the UK and Scottish governments tighten restrictions on their sale and use.
“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.”
