Call for nationwide ban on fireworks sales a year after baby red panda died

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has once again urged for a nationwide ban on the public sale of fireworks, emphasizing the distress these loud and unpredictable pyrotechnics cause to both animals and people. This renewed plea comes exactly a year after the tragic death of Roxie, a baby red panda at Edinburgh Zoo, caused by stress linked to fireworks being set off across the city center. Just days before Roxie's death, her mother Ginger also passed away, with experts suggesting her demise might have been influenced by the same stressful fireworks environment. Since launching its campaign last year, the conservation charity has actively partnered with Police Scotland, local schools, and Edinburgh City Council to highlight the serious risks fireworks pose. Their efforts have resulted in the establishment of a fireworks control zone around Corstorphine, the area where Edinburgh Zoo is located. While RZSS welcomed this initial move, they stress that it’s not enough; fireworks continue to cause significant distress to animals and people across Scotland. Ben Supple, deputy chief executive of RZSS, commented on the situation, acknowledging the positive step the exclusion zone represents but warning that the problem persists. He urged the public to think carefully about the impact of fireworks and to support a national ban on their public sale. According to RZSS research, sudden loud noises can induce panic, physical injury, and even death among wildlife and domestic animals. This isn’t just an issue for zoos but also affects pets, farm animals, and wild species living near urban areas. The charity recommends that firework displays should be limited to organized events using the latest light and drone technology, which are completely silent. This approach, they argue, would allow people to continue celebrating traditional festivities like Bonfire Night and Hogmanay while avoiding the devastating consequences fireworks have on animals. Currently, Edinburgh has nine fireworks control zones active from October 31 to November 9, covering areas like Balerno, Calton Hill, Corstorphine, Gracemount, Longstone, Moredun, Niddrie, Seafield, and Sighthill. Despite these zones, RZSS believes more comprehensive measures are needed to protect both human and animal welfare from the harmful effects of fireworks. The ongoing campaign by RZSS highlights a growing awareness and concern about the environmental and welfare impacts caused by traditional fireworks. Their efforts demonstrate the importance of community cooperation, regulatory action, and technological innovation in addressing this complex issue. With the continuing distress caused by fireworks across Scotland, it remains crucial for authorities and citizens alike to consider alternative solutions that safeguard vulnerable populations while preserving cultural celebrations.