The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland has renewed its campaign for a nationwide ban on the public sale of fireworks, arguing that loud and unpredictable pyrotechnics cause distress to both animals and people. The appeal follows the death of a baby red panda, Roxie, at Edinburgh Zoo, attributed to stress caused by fireworks across the city centre. Roxie’s mother Ginger died five days earlier, with zoologists saying her death could also have been linked to stress from fireworks.

The charity launched its campaign last year and has worked with Police Scotland, local schools and the City of Edinburgh Council to raise awareness. This year a fireworks control zone has been created around Corstorphine, where the zoo is located. The charity welcomed the measure but urged authorities to go further to protect people and animals. Ben Supple, deputy chief executive of RZSS, said: “While the new exclusion zone is a very positive step, loud and unpredictable fireworks continue to cause real distress for animals and people across Scotland. Roxie’s death was a tragic reminder of how dangerous this issue can be. We hope everyone will think carefully about the impact of fireworks and support our call for a national ban on their public sale.”