A baby red panda named Roxie tragically passed away after suffering from “stress caused by fireworks” just five days after the death of her mother, Ginger, according to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). Roxie, only three months old, reportedly choked on her vomit on Bonfire Night, a significant celebration in the United Kingdom. The cause of her distress was believed to be the loud noises of fireworks exploding across the city.
Roxie had been receiving specialized care after her mother’s sudden passing but was reportedly responding well and feeding independently. However, the unsettling sounds of fireworks during the celebration appeared to have triggered severe stress, ultimately contributing to her tragic death. RZSS officials expressed concerns that fireworks also may have played a role in the earlier death of Ginger, suggesting that the chaotic environment may have affected both pandas.
The incident occurred during Guy Fawkes Night on November 5, a historical celebration in the U.K. that includes bonfires and fireworks displays to commemorate the foiled Gunpowder Plot of 1605. In response to Roxie’s death, a petition calling for stricter regulations on the sale and use of fireworks has gained significant support, amassing over a million signatures. The petition advocates for tighter restrictions on fireworks, including banning public sales and allowing displays only at organized events.
Ben Supple, Deputy Chief Executive of RZSS, emphasized the distress caused by fireworks for pets, livestock, and animals in zoos, urging the U.K. and Scottish governments to implement stricter controls. “We support calls from animal welfare groups to ban public sales of fireworks, as the risks to animals are too great,” he said.
In August, Edinburgh introduced its own restrictions, becoming the first area in Scotland to ban fireworks in specific zones around Bonfire Night, with potential criminal charges for those igniting private fireworks. While RZSS commended these steps, they believe more extensive bans are necessary to fully protect animals from the harm caused by fireworks. The organization has called on the public to advocate for broader bans to prevent similar tragedies in the future while still allowing people to enjoy traditional celebrations.
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