Death of rare red panda cub at Edinburgh Zoo has been linked to stress likely caused by fireworks – as experts call for stricter regulations.

The three-month-old red panda cub named Roxie died during bonfire night in her enclosure. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), which runs the zoo, said there was “probably” a link to fireworks in the city center and death.

Veterinary experts from wildlife conservation charity are now calling for stricter restrictions on the use of fireworks. The death of Roxie’s mother, Ginger, just five days before hers, had also been linked to the sound of fireworks.

Announcing Ginger’s death in late October, the charity said: “(Roxie) is just about old enough to be able to survive at this point without her mother.”

“Our expert caretakers will monitor her closely as she continues to grow.”

Red pandas are a designated endangered species, and conservation efforts are underway across the world to preserve the animal. Native to the eastern Himalayas and parts of China, there are only an estimated 2,500 left in the wild.

Ben Supple, deputy managing director of the company, said: “Roxie had recently lost her mother, Ginger, but she was responding well to specialist care from our expert team and feeding independently.

“Very sadly she (died) at the Bonfire party and our vets think it was probably a reaction to fireworks. Roxie had access to her den but the scary noises seem to have been too much for her.

“We know that fireworks can cause stress to other zoo animals and we cannot rule out that they may have contributed to the untimely death of Roxie’s mother, Ginger, five days earlier.”

In August, Edinburgh became the first city council in Scotland to vote in favor of a ban on the use of fireworks in parts of the city around Bonfire Night.

Local authorities across the country are able to designate fireworks control zones following a 2022 riot in Dundee. However, animal welfare campaigners have called on UK governments to do more.

“We support calls from animal welfare charities to ban the sale of fireworks to the public, with only light shows allowed at organized events,” Mr Supple said.

“This would prevent devastating consequences for animals like Roxie while ensuring people can still enjoy traditional celebrations.”

Edinburgh Council leader Cammy Day has called for an outright ban on public sales of fireworks at the end of October due to frequent and often violent misuse.