### Baby Red Panda Dies of Fireworks-Induced Stress, Sparking Calls for Fireworks Ban

A 3-month-old red panda named Roxie has tragically died after choking on her own vomit, a death attributed to the stress caused by fireworks. This heartbreaking event occurred just days after Roxie lost her mother, Ginger. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) disclosed that the noise from fireworks in the city center on bonfire night greatly contributed to the young panda's fatal stress reaction.

Veterinary experts at RZSS revealed that Roxie had been adjusting well to the absence of her mother and was under specialized care from an expert team. Ben Supple, the deputy chief executive of RZSS, explained that although Roxie had access to her den, the terrifying noise of the fireworks was too overwhelming for the young animal. The vets believe that Ginger's death just five days earlier might also have been influenced by the same stress factors.

In response to the death of Roxie, a public petition calling for more stringent controls on the use of fireworks gathered over a million signatures and was submitted to the U.K. government last week. The petition highlights the potential harm fireworks can cause to pets, livestock, and zoo animals, advocating for the prohibition of their sale to the public and recommending that fireworks be limited to organized light displays.

Edinburgh had already taken a step towards this goal by becoming the first area in Scotland to restrict firework use in certain parts of the city during Bonfire Night festivities. These control zones were in effect from November 1 to 10, and violations could result in criminal charges for individuals conducting private firework displays.

Despite these measures, RZSS believes the restrictions are insufficient and is urging the public to push for broader bans through local government channels. Supple emphasized that wider bans would help prevent such tragic incidents while still allowing people to enjoy traditional celebrations safely.