Residents urged against Hogmanay fireworks after death of red panda at zoo

Zookeepers are urging people in Edinburgh not to set off fireworks to celebrate the new year after a baby red panda died on Bonfire Night.

Three-month-old Roxie choked on her own vomit at Edinburgh Zoo as fireworks went off around the city on November 5.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), which owns Edinburgh Zoo, said vets blamed the cub’s death on her reaction to fireworks going off nearby.

Roxie’s mother Ginger died unexpectedly five days earlier, which zookeepers said may also have been linked to fireworks.

Locals are now being asked not to ignite any fireworks on Hogmanay in case they frighten more animals.

RZSS deputy chief executive Ben Supple said: “Edinburgh Council cannot create a fireworks exclusion zone around the zoo in time for Hogmanay due to the minimum consultation period required, so we are asking residents to help by not setting off fireworks which may frighten animals.

“As always, we will do all we can to protect animals in the zoo from fireworks, including keeping them indoors and providing deep bedding where possible to reduce the impact of the noise.

“We have been inundated by messages from people who were shocked by what happened to Roxie and believe the UK Government should ban fireworks from being sold to the public due to the severe impact they can have on animals.

“Firework control zones are a positive step but only part of the solution as the noise from explosions can carry over long distances.

“So-called silent fireworks are also an improvement, though they can emit low frequency sounds which can cause distress to animals.

“We believe displays should be restricted to organised events which use the latest light and drone technology and are completely silent.

“This would help avoid devastating consequences for animals while ensuring that people can still enjoy traditional celebrations like Hogmanay.”