Fireworks blamed for death of red panda kit at zoo

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Wildlife conservation charity the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, which owns Edinburgh Zoo, said vets blame the death of three-month-old panda kit Roxie on her reaction to fireworks in the local area. It's time to look at whether a ban on noisy and disruptive fireworks is necessary Alex Cole-Hamilton “Within our powers we have provided local authorities with powers to designate firework control zones, which ban the use of fireworks in local areas, and these were used for the first time this year in areas across Edinburgh over the Bonfire Night period. “Community organisations are also able to apply to the council for their local area to be made a firework control zone.” A UK Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: “We are sorry to hear of the death of Roxie the panda and our thoughts are with the team who cared for her at Edinburgh Zoo. “We endeavour to keep pets and the public safe and that’s why we launched a new fireworks safety campaign this season to help people use them safely and appropriately.” Edinburgh Western MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “This is extremely sad news.