Baby Panda’s Death Linked to Zoo Owners’ Firework Display for Bonfire Night
Campaigners are advocating for limiting private use of fireworks to specific dates and reducing noise levels from 120 to 97 decibels.
The recent death of a three-month-old panda kit at Edinburgh Zoo has been attributed to her response to fireworks on Bonfire Night, leading to calls for stricter government regulation on fireworks.
The deceased kit, named Roxie, was born in July and was one of the three red pandas residing at the zoo.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) confirmed the kit’s death on Thursday, with veterinarians connecting it to stress induced by the fireworks set off in central Edinburgh.
“Roxie had recently lost her mother Ginger but was responding positively to specialized care from our expert team and was feeding independently. Sadly, she choked on her vomit on bonfire night, and our vets believe this was probably due to the fireworks,” said Ben Supple, RZSS deputy chief executive.
“Fireworks can cause fear and distress for pets, livestock, and animals in zoos, so it is crucial for the UK and Scottish governments to tighten restrictions on their sale and use. We echo the calls from animal welfare charities to prohibit the sale of fireworks to the public, allowing only organized light displays,” Supple added.
Addressing the panda kit’s death, a Department for Business and Trade representative expressed condolences to the team at Edinburgh Zoo and highlighted their efforts to promote safe and appropriate use of fireworks through a new campaign.
Legislation and Restrictions
Current legislation prohibits setting off fireworks between certain hours except on specific occasions, and limits the noise level to 120 decibels, though campaigners advocate for reducing this to 97 decibels.
The RZSS, Dogs Trust, and Redwings Horse Sanctuary support the petition, which also calls for clearer noise level indications on firework packaging and licensing for public displays.
The RZSS has encouraged the public to reach out to their local MP and MSP in support of the petition.
Efforts to enforce control zones banning fireworks use in specific areas have been initiated in Edinburgh during the Bonfire Night period due to public concern over misuse of fireworks and anti-social behavior.
Instead of blanket restrictions, the BFA suggests focusing on education, community engagement, and targeted enforcement to address firework-related issues effectively.
