The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland has called for much tighter restrictions on fireworks following the death of Roxie, a baby red panda.
Zookeepers have said stress from bonfire night celebrations led to her death.
Ben Supple, the deputy chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), claimed that “the frightening noises became too much for her”.
Red Pandas are classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with less than 10,000 red pandas existing worldwide.
RZSS has voiced support for a petition signed by over one million people demanding that the United Kingdom Government introduce tighter restrictions on fireworks, including a maximum decibel level.
The petition was delivered to Downing Street on 5 November.
The “unpredictable, loud, and high intensity noises” of fireworks can frighten animals and cause injuries, according to the RSPCA.
Supple told The Guardian that “many animals in the zoo will also be disturbed by noises at lower frequencies”.
RZSS (the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland) has called for light displays only to be permitted at organized, public events.
Under Scottish Law, private fireworks can only be used between 6 and 11pm to keep the noise and light pollution to Scottish residents to a minimum.
In response to repeated unrest in the city during Bonfire Night, the City of Edinburgh Council implemented Firework Control Zones in areas across the city to allow residents to celebrate safely.
Despite this, unrest persisted this year with property damaged, police injured, and buses diverted.
RZSS has urged people to contact their local Members of Parliament and Members of the Scottish Parliament to demand tighter restrictions.
Image via RZSS