Wednesday November 5th 2025
Roxie the red panda who died last Bonfire Night due to fireworks being set off near the zoo (Photo by RZSS)
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is renewing its call for a national ban on the public sale of fireworks, one year after the tragic death of baby red panda Roxie at Edinburgh Zoo.
Since launching its public affairs campaign in 2024, the wildlife conservation charity has worked closely with Police Scotland, local schools and City of Edinburgh Council to raise awareness of the dangers fireworks pose to animals and people. The campaign led to the creation of a fireworks exclusion zone around Corstorphine for the first time this year — a move warmly welcomed by RZSS.
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.”
Research shows that sudden, high-volume noise can trigger panic, injury and even death in wildlife and domestic animals. RZSS says this is not only a welfare issue for zoos but also for pets, farm animals and wild species living near built-up areas. RZSS 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 Bonfire Night and Hogmanay.
Members of the public can add their voices to existing petitions calling for tighter controls here.
Watch a video of Roxie the red panda below (Video by RZSS).
Tweet Share on Facebook
