Edinburgh Zoo urges locals not to set off Hogmanay fireworks after death of baby panda

Edinburgh Zoo has urged locals not to set off fireworks at Hogmanay after a three-month-old red panda died on Bonfire Night.

Roxie choked on her own vomit as explosions boomed across the city throughout November 5.

Vets at the zoo said the young red panda’s choking was “probably a reaction to the fireworks”.

Roxie’s mother, Ginger, also died unexpectedly five days earlier, which the zoo said may have been linked to fireworks.

Residents near the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo are being asked not to set off fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

Ben Supple, the wildlife conservation charity’s deputy chief executive, said the council can’t create fireworks exclusion zone around the zoo in time for Hogmanay due to the minimum consultation period required.

“As always, we will do all we can to protect animals in the zoo from fireworks, including keeping them indoors and providing deep bedding where possible to reduce the impact of the noise,” he said.

The charity called for tighter restrictions on fireworks last month and said it has been “inundated” with messages of support since.

Mr Supple added: “We have been inundated by messages from people who believe the UK government should ban fireworks from being sold to the public due to the severe impact they can have on animals.”

It comes after 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.

The force has made 43 arrests in connection with the disorder as investigations continue.

Local authorities have introduced firework control zones over some parts of Scotland, making it a criminal offence to set off fireworks in the areas unless as part of a licensed display.

Mr Supple welcomed the introduction of the zones but said they were only part of the solution, as noise can carry over long distances.

“So-called silent fireworks are also an improvement, though they can emit low-frequency sounds which can cause distress to animals,” he said.

The deputy chief executive added that displays should be restricted to organised events which use the latest light and drone technology and are completely silent.

He said this would avoid “devastating consequences for animals” while ensuring that people can still enjoy traditional celebrations like Hogmanay.