A three-month-old red panda cub named Roxie has died at Edinburgh Zoo after reportedly being stressed by Bonfire Night fireworks.
Died on Bonfire Night
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) confirmed the news on Thursday, November 14.
The cub died on November 5, a night when the UK celebrates Bonfire Night with fireworks displays. These displays mark the anniversary of the failed Gunpowder Plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605, according to Ziare.
According to RZSS, the loud and frightening noises caused Roxie to become so stressed that she suffocated.
Ben Supple, deputy chief executive of RZSS, said the cub had been thriving after the death of her mother, Ginger, just five days earlier.
Roxie had started feeding independently and was receiving specialized care. Supple stated that the fireworks were likely too overwhelming for the young cub.
He also suggested the stress from the fireworks might have contributed to Ginger’s earlier death.
An Endangered Species
Red pandas are classified as endangered. Their numbers are decreasing due to habitat loss and other threats. The death of Roxie highlights the dangers that fireworks can pose to animals, especially those already under stress.
RZSS has called for stricter regulations on fireworks to protect animal welfare. The organization launched a petition demanding stronger restrictions, which has already received over one million signatures.
The petition was submitted to the UK government last week.
This is not the first time fireworks have caused harm to zoo animals. In 2020, a zebra foal died at Bristol Zoo after being frightened by the loud noises.
Scottish Minister for Community Safety Siobhian Brown acknowledged the issue. She stated that the Scottish government does not have the power to fully address the problem.
Brown said she has contacted the UK government to request a meeting on stricter fireworks regulations.
