Additional Coverage:
- Baby panda dies due to ‘stress caused by fireworks,’ renewing calls to ban their sale (newsbreak.com)
Tragedy has struck at a zoo in Scotland, where a baby red panda named Roxie has passed away due to stress caused by fireworks.
Roxie had recently lost her mother and was recovering under the care of experts. However, the loud noises of fireworks on Bonfire Night proved too much for her, leading to her choking on her own vomit.
The zoo’s deputy chief executive believes that fireworks may have also contributed to the death of Roxie’s mother just days earlier.
This incident has reignited calls for stricter regulations on fireworks. A petition with over a million signatures has been delivered to the government, urging a ban on public sales and only allowing organized displays.
Edinburgh has taken a step in this direction by banning fireworks in certain areas during Bonfire Night. However, animal rights groups believe more needs to be done to protect animals from the harmful effects of fireworks.
The zoo is urging the public to contact their local officials to support a wider ban on fireworks, ensuring the safety of animals while still allowing traditional celebrations.