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Heartbreak at Edinburgh Zoo as Baby Red Panda Dies from Firework Fright
17 hours ago
- Roxie, a three-month-old red panda at Edinburgh Zoo, died from fireworks-induced stress and choking on her vomit, causing widespread concern.
- The death occurred on Bonfire Night, November 5th, highlighting the impact of fireworks on animal welfare during public celebrations.
- Edinburgh Zoo and RZSS report that fireworks noise induced severe stress in Roxie, underlying the urgent need for stricter regulation.
- Ben Supple, RZSS deputy chief executive, urges a ban on public fireworks sales, limiting use to organized public events only.
- A petition with over one million signatures demands stricter firework regulations to protect animals, supported by animal rights groups like RSPCA.
- Roxie's mother, Ginger, also died from stress, likely due to the same fireworks, emphasizing the ongoing risk to zoo animals.
- Edinburgh City Council has imposed restrictions on private fireworks, marking the first regulatory action of its kind in Scotland.
- Safety measures, including firework control zones, were applied in Edinburgh but noise still posed threats to zoo residents.
- The UK already restricts fireworks usage times, but advocates call for more reforms, like reduced decibel levels and restricted usage at events.
- Scottish officials, including Siobhian Brown, have reached out to the UK government, seeking further collaboration on firework safety policies.
