Fireworks blamed for death of baby red panda
Tragedy strikes at the Denver Zoo
A baby red panda at the Denver Zoo has died after being exposed to fireworks.
The 3-month-old cub, named Asha, was found dead in her enclosure on July 5th.
The zoo's animal care team believes that Asha was startled by the loud noises and flashing lights of fireworks set off nearby.
Fireworks can be dangerous for animals
Fireworks can be dangerous for all animals, but they are especially dangerous for small animals like red pandas.
The loud noises can damage their hearing, and the flashing lights can cause seizures.
In addition, fireworks can contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful if ingested.
Zoo officials urge caution
Zoo officials are urging people to be mindful of the dangers that fireworks can pose to animals.
They are asking people to keep their pets indoors on July 4th and to avoid setting off fireworks near animal habitats.
Red pandas are an endangered species
Red pandas are an endangered species, and there are only about 10,000 left in the wild.
The death of Asha is a tragic loss for both the zoo and the red panda population.
Additional information
- Red pandas are native to the Himalayas.
- They are about the size of a domestic cat.
- Red pandas are arboreal, meaning that they live in trees.
- They are primarily herbivores, but they will also eat small animals.
- Red pandas are solitary animals, except during mating season.
- Female red pandas give birth to one or two cubs at a time.
- Red pandas have a lifespan of about 8 to 10 years in the wild.
