Baby red panda tragically dies at Edinburgh zoo after ‘firework fright’

A three-month-old red panda has died at Edinburgh Zoo after choking on her own vomit due to stress caused by fireworks on Bonfire Night.

Veterinary experts at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) believe the death of baby Roxie was linked to pyrotechnics being set off across the city centre on November 5.

The endangered cub, who was born in July to parents Bruce and Ginger, had access to her den but was overwhelmed by the frightening noises, according to zoo officials.

Tragically, Roxie’s death came just five days after her mother Ginger, aged nine, also died unexpectedly at the zoo.

RZSS veterinary experts said they could not rule out that fireworks may have contributed to Ginger’s untimely death as well.

The deaths have highlighted growing concerns about the impact of fireworks on animals in captivity, with the mother and baby being among four red pandas housed at Edinburgh Zoo at the time.

Red pandas, which are native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China, are classified as an endangered species due to habitat loss, human interference and poaching.

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.”

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

The RZSS is urging both UK and Scottish governments to implement stricter controls on firework sales and usage.

“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,” said Mr Supple.

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

The wildlife conservation charity is now encouraging people to contact their local MPs and MSPs to support the petition.

In August, Edinburgh became the first Scottish council to implement firework control zones, banning private displays in certain areas between 1-10 November.

However, these restrictions did not cover the area around Edinburgh Zoo.

Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Fireworks are very distressing for animals and this is sad news. I have written to the UK Government asking for a meeting to discuss what more can be done on fireworks regulations.”

A UK Department for Business and Trade spokesperson responded: “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.