Baby red panda dies due to 'firework stress' at Edinburgh Zoo as charity calls for ban

Get the latest Daily Record breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

An endangered baby red panda has died at Edinburgh zoo after choking on its vomit from 'stress' caused by fireworks.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is urging the Scottish Parliament to impose tighter restrictions on pyrotechnics after the three-month old kit, Roxie, died on Bonfire Night.

Roxie was born on July 17 to her parents, Bruce and Ginger. Ginger also died five days earlier at the zoo- in an incident which is also suspected to be due to distress from fireworks.

Ben Supple, RZSS deputy chief executive, said, “Roxie had recently lost her mum Ginger but was responding well to specialist care from our expert team and was feeding independently. Very sadly, she choked on her vomit on bonfire night and our vets believe this was probably a reaction to fireworks.

“Roxie had access to her den but the frightening noises seem to have been too much for her. We know that fireworks can cause stress to other animals in the zoo and we cannot rule out that they may have contributed to the untimely death of Roxie’s mother Ginger, just five days’ earlier.”

There are currently no restrictions on the sale of fireworks, apart from the requirement that you be at least 18 to purchase them, but after disruptions across the city at this time of year, more people are demanding action. Many domestic pets are also petrified of the pyrotechnics and owners are forced to take measures to keep them calm.

Edinburgh was the scene of chaos on Bonfire Night with multiple arrests made across the city as people and vehicles were attacked with fireworks.

Police released footage of large groups of of youths launching fireworks and other projectiles at officers, vehicles and public property. Fires were also set in some of these areas.

Red pandas are an endangered species that share similarities with bears and racoons. They are known for their excellent climbing skills, and at Edinburgh Zoo can be found in trees.

The zoo had shared adorable pictures of Roxie earlier this year shortly after she was born showing the adorable cub with her fluffy orange cheeks. She died choking on her own vomit after being terrified by the fireworks and was later discovered by staff at the zoo.

A public petition calling for tighter restrictions on the use of fireworks and signed by more than a million people was delivered to the UK Government last week.

Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!

Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.

You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.

All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!

If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Ben explained: “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.

“This would help avoid devastating consequences for animals like Roxie while ensuring that people can still enjoy traditional celebrations.”

The wildlife conservation charity is calling on people to contact their local MP and MSP to support the petition delivered to the UK Government earlier this month. You can find the details of your MP here.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.