Zookeepers at Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland are mourning the loss of a three-month-old red panda named Roxie, who tragically passed away on Bonfire Night. The baby red panda choked on her vomit, believed to be a result of the stress caused by the loud explosions from the annual Bonfire Night celebrations.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, which owns the zoo, expressed deep sadness over Roxie's death. The red panda, native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China, is a species facing threats such as habitat loss, human encroachment, and poaching. With fewer than 10,000 red pandas remaining in the wild, every individual is crucial to the survival of the species.
Studies have shown that red pandas have a low chance of survival, especially in their first months of life. Roxie's mother had recently passed away, making her even more vulnerable. Despite receiving care and showing positive signs of progress, the stress of the fireworks proved to be too much for the young red panda.
The incident has reignited calls for stricter regulations on fireworks. Pet owners are well aware of the distress fireworks can cause to animals, and organizations like the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have been advocating for tighter restrictions on fireworks usage.
A petition with over 1 million signatures urging for a ban on fireworks sales and advocating for public pyrotechnic displays only has been delivered to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office. The recent disorder in Edinburgh on Bonfire Night, including arrests for anti-social behavior related to fireworks, has prompted discussions on the need for more stringent measures.
Scottish authorities are considering options to address the issue, with the possibility of local bans on fireworks in certain areas. Calls for a ban on noisy fireworks have also been raised, as concerns grow over the impact of fireworks on both domestic and wild animals.
The tragic loss of Roxie has shed light on the broader issue of fireworks safety and their impact on wildlife. As efforts continue to protect endangered species like red pandas, the conversation around fireworks regulations is gaining momentum to prevent similar incidents in the future.
