Heartbreak as baby red panda dies of 'firework fright' at Edinburgh Zoo

Baby red panda cub was just over three months old

A baby red panda has died at Edinburgh Zoo after being spooked by fireworks, it has been confirmed. The female cub, named Anji, was less than four months old when she was found unresponsive in her cage on Tuesday.

Staff at the zoo said they believe she was startled by fireworks set off in the nearby area. Fireworks can be very loud and distressing for animals, and can cause them to bolt and panic.

Anji's death is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with her keepers and all those who loved her.

Zoo bosses 'heartbroken'

The zoo released an update on its website on Wednesday morning, expressing the staff's deep sadness at Anji's passing.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Anji, our three-month-old red panda cub," the statement read. "We are absolutely heartbroken by the loss of this beautiful and playful little cub."

The zoo said that it is investigating the incident, and has spoken to the RSPCA and the local council about the use of fireworks in the area.

Fireworks can be fatal for wildlife

While some fireworks can cause a loud bang, others emit a high-pitched whistle that can be harmful to animals with sensitive hearing.

Sound levels above 120 decibels can cause pain and damage to the ears. The RSPCA has previously warned that fireworks can cause anxiety, stress, fear, and even death in animals.

Animals can be injured or killed by fireworks if they panic and run into danger, such as busy roads or water. Each year the RSPCA receives hundreds of calls from animal lovers who have found distressed animals affected by fireworks.

Government urged to implement fireworks ban

Animal welfare groups have called for the government to implement a ban on fireworks to protect pets and wildlife.

The RSPCA has launched a campaign calling for a ban on the public sale of fireworks, and for the use of fireworks to be restricted to licensed, organised public displays.

The government has said that it will consider any evidence of the negative impact of fireworks on animal welfare, but has not yet committed to a ban.