TIGHTER restrictions on fireworks have been called for following the death of a baby red panda at Edinburgh Zoo on Bonfire Night.
The infant red panda, Roxie, was born at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo on July 17 and was only revealed to the world last month.
Roxie had recently lost her mum Ginger, but a team of expert veterinarians said she was “responding well” to specialist care and was feeding independently.
The same team of experts believe she died on bonfire night due to the “frightening noises” and possible stress caused by fireworks being set off across the capital.
Following Roxie’s untimely death, the charity RZSS, is calling for a ban on the sale of fireworks to the public, with only light displays being permitted at organised events.
Ben Supple, RZSS deputy chief executive, said the charity supports tighter restrictions on fireworks following Roxie's death as he believes her death could have been caused by fear from them.
“Very sadly, she choked on her vomit on bonfire night and our vets believe this was probably a reaction to fireworks,” he said.
“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.”
Police Scotland said it witnessed “significant” disorder on Bonfire Night with the Niddrie, Calder Road, Gracemount and, Moredun areas of Edinburgh being most severely affected.
Residents in parts of the capital spoke about how they were “left terrified” as fires were lit, and fireworks were recklessly set off.
A public petition calling for tighter restrictions on the use of fireworks has been signed by more than a million people and was delivered to the UK Government last week.
The wildlife conservation charity is also calling on people to contact their local MP and MSP to support the petition along with signing it.
“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,” said Supple.
“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.”
