What's happened
Edinburgh Zoo's three-month-old red panda, Roxie, died on Bonfire Night, likely due to stress from fireworks. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is calling for stricter regulations on fireworks, citing their detrimental effects on animals. Roxie's mother had also died just days earlier, raising concerns about firework noise impacts.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The Guardian reported that Roxie's death was linked to fireworks, with Ben Supple from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland stating, 'Very sadly, she choked on her vomit on Bonfire Night and our vets believe this was probably a reaction to fireworks.' The Independent echoed this sentiment, noting that Roxie's mother had also died shortly before, raising concerns about the impact of firework noise on zoo animals. Metro highlighted the public's response, mentioning a petition with over a million signatures calling for tighter firework regulations. BBC News added that new firework control zones were implemented in Edinburgh, but not around the zoo, indicating a gap in current safety measures. The Scotsman emphasized the need for stricter regulations, with community leaders advocating for a ban on public firework sales.
How we got here
Roxie, a red panda cub, died on November 5, 2024, after choking on her vomit, which vets believe was linked to fireworks. Her mother, Ginger, died five days prior, with similar concerns raised about firework noise. A petition for stricter firework regulations has gained over a million signatures.
Common question
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How do fireworks affect animals during celebrations?
Fireworks are a staple of many celebrations, but their impact on wildlife and pets is often overlooked. Recent events, such as the tragic death of a red panda at Edinburgh Zoo, have sparked discussions about the need for stricter regulations on fireworks. This page explores how fireworks affect animals, what regulations exist to protect them, and safer alternatives to traditional fireworks.
More on these topics
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Edinburgh Zoo, formerly the Scottish National Zoological Park, is an 82-acre non-profit zoological park in the Corstorphine area of Edinburgh, Scotland.
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The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is a learned society and registered charity based in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was founded by, Thomas Haining Gillespie, in 1909.
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Bonfire Night is a name given to various annual events characterised by bonfires and fireworks. The event celebrates different traditions on different dates, depending on the country. Some of the most popular instances include Guy Fawkes Night (5 November
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The Scottish Government is the devolved government of Scotland.
The government is led by the First Minister, who selects the Cabinet Secretaries, who attend Cabinet, and Ministers with the approval of Parliament.