Bonfire Night fireworks blamed for death of red panda kit at Edinburgh Zoo

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has called for tighter restrictions on fireworks after the death of a baby red panda at Edinburgh Zoo on Bonfire Night.

Veterinary experts at the wildlife conservation charity said it’s likely that three-month-old kit Roxie died due to stress caused by fireworks being let off across the city centre.

Specially trained riot police officers were deployed across Scotland to combat disorder a year after violent scenes unfolded in Edinburgh and Glasgow on November 5.

Police confirmed that officers responded to multiple incidents involving “large groups of youths” throwing fireworks and other objects across Edinburgh.

A public petition calling for tighter restrictions on the use of fireworks signed by more than a million people was delivered to the UK Government last week. Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

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.”

A public petition calling for tighter restrictions on the use of fireworks signed by more than a million people was delivered to the UK Government last week.

“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.”

The wildlife conservation charity is calling on people to contact their local MP and MSP to support the petition.