In brief
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is advocating for stricter fireworks regulations after the tragic death of Roxie, a three-month-old red panda who died due to stress induced by fireworks during the city's annual Bonfire Night festivities.
Roxie, a three-month-old red panda at the Edinburgh Zoo, tragically passed away following distress caused by the loud fireworks on Bonfire Night. Just days before her death, Roxie had experienced the loss of her mother, Ginger, which had already placed her in a vulnerable state. Zookeepers, initially hopeful when she began to eat on her own, were heartbroken when video surveillance revealed her increased agitation during the fireworks displays celebrating Nov. 5. “It was evident that Roxie experienced significant fear from the noise of the fireworks,” noted Ben Supple, deputy chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. “Her rapid decline was shocking and heartbreaking.” After choking on her vomit amidst the heightened stress, she died on November 5. Supple expressed his condolences, stating, “It’s devastating to lose Roxie at such a young age; she could have been a remarkable representative for her species.” In the wake of this tragedy, the zoo is joining the call for stricter regulations on fireworks, a staple of the Bonfire Night celebrations — a historical event commemorating a foiled attempt to assassinate King James I in 1605. Over a million people have signed a petition pushing for tighter laws regarding fireworks use, and it was recently delivered to the British government.
