Many humans see fireworks has harmless spectacle, but for animals fireworks can be a true nightmare. Many animals are sensitive to bright lights and loud noises, and fireworks can send them into panic mode — and in some cases, cause death.
That was the heartbreaking case recently, after a Scotland zoo discovered one of their baby red pandas dead, scared to death by some nearby fireworks. Now, they are calling for action to prevent another tragedy.
On November 14, the Edinburgh Zoo revealed the heartbreaking news that their three-month-old red panda cub Roxie suddenly died on November 5, seemingly the result of stress caused by local fireworks. In Britain, November 5 is Guy Fawkes Night, or Bonfire Night, and fireworks are part of the tradition.
“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, said 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 died just five days earlier, and Supple wrote that they “cannot rule out” that the mother also died from fireworks-related stress.
The red panda is an endangered species, as listed on the IUCN Red List since 2015. Native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China, the species has been threatened by poaching and loss of habitat due to deforestation, and has suffered a 50% population decline over the past 20 years.
In light of this tragedy, RZSS is calling for tighter restrictions on fireworks, calling on 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.”
According to the press release, a public petition calling for tighter fireworks restrictions received over a million signatures and was delivered to the UK government last week.
Roxie and her mother are not the only animals who have died as a result of fireworks. There have been many cases of pet dogs dying after being spooked by fireworks, and in 2021 hundreds of birds died after a New Years Eve display in Rome. Additionally many dogs go missing on holidays like the Fourth of July after fleeing in terror.
While it may be too late for poor Roxie, hopefully action can be taken to prevent any more animals from suffering firework-related deaths.
What a heartbreaking tragedy — rest in peace to sweet red panda cub Roxie 😢💔 It’s clear that action needs to be taken to limit fireworks and protect animals’ lives.
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