Red Panda Death Prompts Firework Regulation Demands

The death of a three-month-old red panda named Roxie at Edinburgh Zoo has been linked to stress caused by fireworks during Bonfire Night celebrations. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), which operates the zoo, reported that Roxie choked on her vomit, possibly as a reaction to the loud noises, just days after her mother Ginger's death, which may also have been fireworks-related. This incident has sparked widespread calls for tighter regulations on fireworks, including a petition with over a million signatures delivered to the UK government. Animal welfare advocates, including RZSS deputy chief executive Ben Supple, urge the government to ban public sales of fireworks, limiting them to organized events due to their distressing effects on animals. The Scottish government has introduced firework control zones, but discussions with the UK government on broader regulations are ongoing. These calls are supported by various politicians and community safety officials who emphasize the need to protect both animals and the public from the disruptive effects of fireworks.