Panda cub Roxie choked on her own vomit at the zoo on the so-called Guy Fawkes night on 5 November. The annual celebration marks the failed attempt by a gang led by Fawkes to kill King James in 1605.
– Roxie had recently lost her mum Ginger, but responded well to specialist help from our experts and was fed on her own. It’s very sad, but she choked on her own vomit on Guy Fawkes night, and our vets believe this was probably a reaction to the fireworks, says deputy head Ben Supple of the animal welfare organization Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), which owns the zoo .
Supple is calling on the Scottish Government and UK central government to tighten guidelines on the use of fireworks, and he is advocating a ban on sales to the general public.
– Fireworks can cause fear and stress for pets, livestock and animals in zoos, so it is vital that the British and Scottish governments tighten the restrictions on their use and sale, he says.
Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown says that fireworks are very stressful for animals and that the death is sad. But it is the government in London that has the opportunity to do something about it, she says and adds that she has asked for a meeting to discuss the matter.
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What measures can be taken to protect animals from the distress caused by fireworks during public celebrations?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of RZSS**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us, Ben. The recent tragedy involving Roxie, the panda cub, has deeply affected many. Can you explain what happened during Guy Fawkes night?
**Ben Supple**: Yes, thank you for having me. Roxie sadly choked on her own vomit after experiencing stress likely triggered by the fireworks that night. It’s particularly heartbreaking as she had just lost her mother, Ginger. Despite the specialized care she received, this incident illustrates how sensitive animals can be to loud noises.
**Interviewer**: Your call for stricter regulations on fireworks has sparked discussions. Why do you believe there should be a ban on public sales of fireworks?
**Ben Supple**: Fireworks can induce significant fear and stress in not just zoo animals, but also pets and livestock. It’s crucial for us to consider their welfare. I believe that the risks associated with their use far outweigh the enjoyment people derive from them during celebrations.
**Interviewer**: Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown echoed your concerns, pointing out that the responsibility for action lies with the UK government. How do you feel about this inaction?
**Ben Supple**: It’s disappointing. We have a duty to protect all animals, and with the strong evidence that fireworks lead to distress and tragedies like this, it’s high time for our governments to step up and implement necessary changes.
**Interviewer**: This situation is certainly tragic, sparking a debate about public enjoyment versus animal welfare. What do you think our readers should consider regarding the use of fireworks in light of this event? Should personal enjoyment take precedence over animal safety?
**Ben Supple**: That’s a critical question. As we celebrate traditions, we must weigh the implications on animals that share our environments. I encourage the public to reflect on the balance between enjoyment and compassion. It’s a discussion worth having for the welfare of all creatures.
