In a heartfelt turn of events, the team at Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland has linked the tragic passing of a baby red panda to the disruptive impact of fireworks, igniting a call for more stringent regulations surrounding their use.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the organization that oversees the zoo, has reported that veterinarians attribute the untimely death of three-month-old Roxie to her distress caused by nearby fireworks. It’s worth noting that her demise coincided with Bonfire Night, a holiday celebrated across the UK every November 5th.
Ben Supple, Deputy Chief Executive of RZSS, shared his thoughts, stating, “Roxie had just experienced the loss of her mother, Ginger. She was receiving specialized care from our dedicated team and was even able to feed on her own.”
He went on to express concerns, saying, “Though Roxie had access to her safe space, the terrifying booms seemed to overwhelm her. We worry that the sounds from fireworks could cause a significant amount of stress to other inhabitants of our zoo as well.”
Mr. Supple is urging both the Scottish and UK governments to impose tighter restrictions on fireworks and supports a total ban on their sale to the public. “There’s no denying fireworks can be distressing for pets, livestock, and zoo animals alike. It’s essential that we strengthen regulations surrounding their sale and usage.”
He added, “We stand in solidarity with animal welfare organizations that advocate for a complete ban on public firework displays, allowing only organized events to host light shows.”
“This would not only prevent tragic fates for animals like Roxie but also ensure that individuals can still partake in festive traditions,” Mr. Supple noted with hope.
While he acknowledged that implementing firework exclusion zones was a step in the right direction, he expressed concern over their effectiveness. “The noise from fireworks can carry over long distances. Any exclusion zone established around Edinburgh Zoo would essentially have to encompass much of the city.”
Furthermore, he pointed out that many species at the zoo could be affected by lower-frequency noises, indicating that simply lowering the volume might not suffice.
And speaking of adorableness, Edinburgh Zoo recently welcomed a new addition! The red panda duo, Ginger and Bruce, have become proud parents to a tiny kit. Just nine weeks old, this little one recently underwent her first health check, and we’re thrilled to report that she’s thriving.
Visitors can look forward to catching glimpses of her as she starts to explore her surroundings soon . Check out this cute announcement:
— Edinburgh Zoo (@EdinburghZoo) October 3, 2024
Adding to the conversation, a petition with over one million signatures advocating for stricter firework controls was submitted to the UK government earlier this month. Scotland’s Community Safety Minister, Siobhian Brown, remarked, “It’s heartbreaking news, as fireworks can be incredibly distressing for our animal friends.”
She explained, “While I understand the rising calls for a complete ban on fireworks, governance on this matter falls within Westminster’s jurisdiction and is currently not under the Scottish government’s authority.”
However, Minister Brown is proactive, noting, “I have reached out to the UK government to request a meeting to discuss further measures on firework regulations. Additionally, we’ve empowered local authorities to create firework control zones, a system we successfully implemented for the first time this year in parts of Edinburgh during the Bonfire Night festivities.”
Community entities can also seek to have their areas designated as firework control zones through their local councils.
A spokesperson for the UK Department for Business and Trade emphasized the need for safety, stating, “Our commitment is to safeguard both pets and the public, which is why we have launched a new fireworks safety campaign this season. We aim to promote the safe and responsible use of fireworks.”
This tragic event underscores a critical conversation that many animal welfare advocates have been pushing. It emphasizes the necessity of finding a balance between enjoying cultural celebrations and ensuring the well-being of our furry friends. Perhaps it’s time we listen more closely to their silent suffering amidst the festive explosions and reassess our practices to protect the innocent. Fireworks may sparkle, but they must not overshadow the safety and happiness of our animals.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
