Edinburgh Zoo’s three-month-old red panda Roxie died on November 5, 2024, when she suffered stress as a result of fireworks for Bonfire Night celebrations. This was due to loud explosions that roared through the city, and veterinary experts say Roxie choked on her vomit because of this. This has fuelled the debate about how fireworks affect animals and calls for stricter regulations.
Impact of Fireworks on Zoo Animals
Ben Supple, deputy chief executive of Edinburgh Zoo, said: “Animals in the zoo can be deeply distressed by fireworks noise.” He noted that abrupt, loud sounds are more damaging to species, including giraffes, chimpanzees, and large cats. The noise remains strong even after mitigation attempts such as indoor sheltering and sound barrier muffling, which are sometimes tried to calm down the disruptive sounds. Roxie’s tragic loss illustrates how all efforts to date have failed, meaning we must do more.
Broader Effects on Wildlife and Domestic Animals
Fireworks not only affect zoo animals, but wildlife and domestic animals are also negatively affected. Research conducted has found that fireworks can make birds leave their nests, causing their babies to die of dehydration or starvation. Household animals, especially dogs, may shake, hide, or try to escape, risking injury or death. According to the Humane Society of the United States, sudden bursts of sound and light can deeply traumatize domestic animals, causing anxiety that may persist for years.
Calls for Stricter Firework Regulations
After Roxie’s death, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) called for stricter regulations on the selling and letting off of fireworks. Advocates suggest limiting fireworks to public events and encourage alternatives like light shows or drone displays to entertain without disturbing animals. Meanwhile, a growing global trend favors humane alternatives over traditional fireworks displays.
Public Response and Legislative Actions
There has been growing public support for stricter fireworks control. Recently in the UK, over a million people signed a petition urging a ban on public firework sales to protect animal welfare and safety. Some local authorities are responding with firework control zones, although it isn’t clear how robust these will be. Policymakers are working out how to continue the tradition while ensuring that animals and their community can thrive.
Finding Alternatives to Traditional Fireworks
With the adverse effects of fireworks being underlined, more communities and event organizers are looking for alternatives. Areas with high noise pollution have also utilized silent fireworks, creating visual effects in the sky without the loud explosions. Drone light shows are gaining popularity as versatile, customizable alternatives to traditional aerial displays, perfect for various occasions. These alternatives are a way to celebrate LAS without animals suffering or nature paying the price.
