Zoo Asks People Not to Set off Fireworks This Hogmanay

Submitted by edg on Thu, 19 Dec '24 6.17pm
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Baby red panda
Credit
RHZZ

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's (RZSS), the charity that operates Edinburgh Zoo, is asking residents near the zoo not to set off fireworks this Hogmanay, following the death of a baby red panda last month.  

Three-month-old Roxie died after choking on her own vomit, as fireworks exploded across the city throughout Bonfire Night

The unexpected death of Roxie's mother Ginger five days earlier may have also been linked to fireworks, says the RZSS.  

The Zoo is in the Corstorphine area of Edinburgh, about 4 miles West of Edinburgh Castle, where the large-scale midnight moment fireworks display takes place on the 31st December as part of the Edinburgh's Hogmanay festival. 

The Zoo boundary is adjacent to a city park and designated Local Nature Reserve on Corstorphine Hill, known for its badgers, foxes, rabbits, bats and occasional roe deer.

Ben Supple, the wildlife conservation charity's deputy chief executive, said, "Edinburgh Council cannot create a fireworks exclusion zone around the zoo in time for Hogmanay due to the minimum consultation period required, so we are asking residents to help by not setting off fireworks which may frighten animals. 

"As always, we will do all we can to protect animals in the zoo from fireworks, including keeping them indoors and providing deep bedding where possible to reduce the impact of the noise." 

The charity says its call for tighter restrictions on fireworks has received "enormous" support since Roxie's death in November. 

Ben added, "We have been inundated by messages from people who were shocked by what happened to Roxie and believe the UK government should ban fireworks from being sold to the public due to the severe impact they can have on animals. 

"Firework control zones are a positive step but only part of the solution as the noise from explosions can carry over long distances. So-called silent fireworks are also an improvement, though they can emit low frequency sounds which can cause distress to animals. 

"We believe displays should be restricted to organised events which use the latest light and drone technology and are completely silent. This would help avoid devastating consequences for animals while ensuring that people can still enjoy traditional celebrations like Hogmanay.