A zoo located in Scotland is attributing the demise of a young red panda to fireworks discharged over Bonfire Night.
Edinburgh Zoo reported that three-month-old Roxie died after choking on her vomit.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), which operates the zoo, has held the local fireworks responsible for her premature death.
Ben Supple, the deputy chief executive of RZSS, has urged both the Scottish and UK governments to strengthen legislation surrounding fireworks, advocating for a prohibition on their sale to the public.
He stated, ‘Roxie had recently lost her mother, Ginger, but was making good progress under the specialized care of our expert team and was able to feed independently.
‘Unfortunately, she choked on her vomit on Bonfire Night, and our vets suggest this was likely a reaction to the fireworks.
‘Roxie had the option to retreat to her den, but the alarming sounds appeared to be overwhelming for her.
‘We recognize that fireworks can induce stress in other wildlife at the zoo, and we cannot dismiss the possibility that they may have played a role in the unfortunate passing of Roxie’s mother just five days prior.’
This month, a petition surpassing 1 million signatures, advocating for heightened restrictions, was submitted to Downing Street.
Supported by the RSPCA, it requested limitations on fireworks usage to customary celebrations and a decrease in the maximum permissible decibel level.
Under UK law, fireworks are prohibited from 11pm to 7am, except on occasions such as Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali, and the lunar new year, which each have different cutoff times.
In Scotland, private fireworks can only be utilized between 6pm and 11pm.
Ben expressed that although firework exclusion zones are a step in the right direction, he still harbors concerns regarding noise levels, even with a reduced maximum decibel level.
He stated: ‘The sounds produced by fireworks can reach vast distances, meaning that any exclusion area surrounding Edinburgh Zoo would need to encompass a significant portion of the city.
‘Numerous animals within the zoo may also be unsettled by sounds at lower frequencies, even if the decibel level is lowered.’
Siobhian Brown, the Scottish community safety minister, remarked: ‘Fireworks are extremely distressing for animals, and this is unfortunate news.
‘Through our authority, we have empowered local councils to establish firework control zones, which prohibit fireworks in designated localities; this was implemented for the first time this year in areas throughout Edinburgh during Bonfire Night.’
‘I have reached out to the UK government requesting a meeting to explore what additional measures can be taken regarding firework regulations, and I will continue collaborating with stakeholders to discuss potential further action.’
A spokesperson from the UK Department for Business and Trade stated: ‘We strive to ensure the safety of pets and the public; hence, we initiated a new fireworks safety campaign this season to assist individuals in utilizing them safely and correctly.’
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