A baby red panda has been literally scared to death by fireworks being set off near her home at Edinburgh Zoo, according to conservationists.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), which owns the zoo, said vets blame three-month-old Roxie’s death on her reaction to the fireworks.
She had recently lost her mum, Ginger, but had been responding well to specialist care before she was overwhelmed by the loud noises on Bonfire Night and choked on her own vomit.
RZSS deputy chief executive Ben Supple has backed calls for a ban on the sale of fireworks to the public.
Ginger, Roxie’s mum. Pic: RZSS
“Roxie had access to her den but the frightening noises seem to have been too much for her,” he said.
“Fireworks can cause fear and distress for pets, livestock and animals in zoos, so it is essential that the UK and Scottish governments tighten restrictions on their sale and use.
“We support calls from animal welfare charities to ban the sale of fireworks to the public, with only light displays being permitted at organised events.”
Pic: RZSS
Pic: RZSS
He described firework exclusion zones as a “positive step” but warned the noise covers large distances and restrictions would need to apply to most of the city.
“Many of the animals in the zoo will also be disturbed by noises at lower frequencies even if the decibel level is reduced,” he added.
The charity is urging people to contact their MP or MSP to support a petition delivered to Downing Street this month with more than a million signatures calling for tighter restrictions.
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Scottish community safety minister Siobhian Brown said this is an issue only Westminster can resolve and has requested a meeting.
She added local authorities in Scotland can designate firework control zones, while community groups can also apply.
A UK Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: “We endeavour to keep pets and the public safe and that’s why we launched a new fireworks safety campaign this season to help people use them safely and appropriately.”
