Baby red panda in UK zoo dies after being 'frightened' by Bonfire Night fireworks

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Edinburgh Zoo has linked the death of a baby red panda to fireworks, urging for stricter controls. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), which operates the zoo, reported that three-month-old Roxie died after choking on her vomit during Bonfire Night, with vets attributing the incident to her reaction to local fireworks.

Ben Supple, RZSS deputy chief executive, said: "Roxie had recently lost her mum Ginger but was responding well to specialist care from our expert team and was feeding independently.

Very sadly, she choked on her vomit on Bonfire Night and our vets believe this was probably a reaction to fireworks. "Roxie had access to her den but the frightening noises seem to have been too much for her.

We are also concerned that fireworks cause stress to other animals in the zoo." READ MORE: Met Office weather map shows parts of England could be hit by snow this weekend Calling for action, Mr Supple advocated for tighter fireworks regulations by both the Scottish and UK governments and supported a public sales ban, stating: "Fireworks can cause fear and distress for pets, livestock and animals in zoos, so it is essential that the UK and Scottish governments tighten restrictions on their sale and use. “We support calls from animal welfare charities to ban the sale of fireworks to the public, with only light displays being permitted at organised events.