Many people view fireworks as a harmless spectacle, but for animals, they can be a true nightmare. Many animals are highly sensitive to bright lights and loud noises, and fireworks can trigger extreme panic — in some cases, even leading to death.

Such a heartbreaking incident occurred recently when a Scotland zoo found one of their baby red pandas dead, frightened to death by nearby fireworks. The zoo is now advocating for measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

On November 14, the Edinburgh Zoo announced the devastating loss of their three-month-old red panda cub, Roxie, who died on November 5, likely due to stress caused by local fireworks. In the UK, November 5 marks Guy Fawkes Night, or Bonfire Night, when fireworks are a traditional part of the celebrations.

“Very sadly, she choked on her vomit on bonfire night and our vets believe this was probably a reaction to fireworks,” Ben Supple, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland deputy chief executive, stated in a press release. “Roxie had access to her den but the frightening noises seem to have been too much for her.”

Adding to the tragedy, Roxie’s mother, Ginger, had passed away just five days earlier, and Supple stated that they “cannot rule out” the possibility that fireworks-related stress also contributed to her death.

The red panda, an endangered species listed on the IUCN Red List since 2015, is native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. The species faces threats from poaching and habitat loss due to deforestation, experiencing a 50% population decline over the past two decades.

In response to this tragedy, RZSS is advocating for stricter fireworks regulations and urging the UK government to take action. “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,” said Supple.

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

The press release also highlighted that a public petition calling for stricter fireworks regulations had garnered over a million signatures and was delivered to the UK government last week.

Roxie and her mother are not the only animals to have died as a result of fireworks. Numerous incidents have been reported, including pet dogs dying after being startled by fireworks and, in 2021, hundreds of birds perishing following a New Year’s Eve display in Rome. Additionally, many dogs go missing on holidays like the Fourth of July due to panic and fleeing in fear.

Although it’s too late to save poor Roxie, we can only hope that steps will be taken to prevent more animals from experiencing firework-related deaths.

What a heartbreaking tragedy — rest in peace to sweet red panda cub Roxie. It’s evident that action is necessary to restrict fireworks and safeguard animals’ lives.

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