Red panda cub dies at Edinburgh zoo after bonfire night fireworks

Tragedy in Scotland, where a 3-month-old red panda died in the zoo after a celebration with fireworks. Fireworks displays with fires, firecrackers and other deafening noises mark another casualty

Roxie, a three-month-old red panda cub, died in captivity at Edinburgh Zoo as a result of the Bonfire Night celebrations on November 5. This little cub, whose whole life had been spent in her enclosure, had tragically died from the stress caused by the nearby fireworks.

Zoo officials made the tragic announcement, citing that Roxie died from extreme stress due to the loud sound of fireworks. The circumstances of her death are upsetting.

“Tragically, she choked on her own vomit on Bonfire Night, and our vets believe this was likely a reaction to the fireworks,” said Ben Supple, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Deputy Executive Director.

A double tragedy within days

Just five days before his death, Roxie’s mother, Ginger, died. It is not explicitly known the reason behind Ginger’s death, but fireworks are suspected to be linked with her untimely death, too.

These events serve as grim reminders of how much damage fireworks can inflict on animals both in the wild and in captivity. Roxie’s case puts in perspective an angle usually ignored about these displays held for the entertainment of humans but which often leave animals with injuries.

Hidden toll of fireworks on animals

Whether wild or domestic, animals pay a high price during such times of celebrations with fireworks. Animals, terrified of loud noises, experience panic and fear. Some die of heart attacks attributed to high levels of stress, while others leave their nesting sites, mostly never to return. Animals can also lose their sense of direction, leading to fatal outcomes.

However, this problem is not restricted to Bonfire Night alone. Similar tragedies occur on New Year’s Eve and all other celebrations involving pyrotechnics. This has led the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to appeal to the UK government to impose stricter controls regarding the use of fireworks.

A call for change

A petition with more than a million signatures has already been presented to UK policymakers-a call for a complete ban on fireworks across the nation. Instead, proponents suggest alternatives, like light shows and other forms of entertainment that are more environmental- and animal-friendly.

Roxie’s death has become a rallying cry for change, putting a spotlight on how immediate the need is to save animals from irreparable damage caused by fireworks.

Source: Edinburgh Zoo