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 chairman 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 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 specific measures can zoos take to protect their animals from the effects of fireworks during celebrations?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Chairman of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Ben. It’s a tragic incident regarding Roxie the panda. Can you elaborate on how her death has impacted the zoo staff and the wider community?
**Ben Supple:** Absolutely. Roxie’s death has been incredibly hard for our staff, many of whom had formed bonds with her after losing her mother, Ginger. It’s a reminder of the fragility of life, especially for young animals. The community, too, has been very supportive, expressing their sorrow and concern over how such incidents could potentially be prevented in the future.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that fireworks may have triggered Roxie’s distress. Can you explain the specific impact fireworks have on zoo animals, particularly on sensitive species like pandas?
**Ben Supple:** Fireworks can cause immense fear and anxiety among zoo animals. The loud noises and bright lights can trigger stress responses, leading to adverse reactions, as we sadly saw with Roxie. Pandas, being naturally cautious animals, can be particularly vulnerable to such disturbances. It’s vital to consider their well-being in our celebrations.
**Interviewer:** What changes are you advocating for regarding the use of fireworks, not just for zoos but for public safety in general?
**Ben Supple:** I’m calling for stricter regulations on the sale and use of fireworks in the UK. This includes advocating for a ban on sales to the public. Fireworks should be handled by professionals in controlled environments to minimize their impact on wildlife and pets, who cannot voice their distress.
**Interviewer:** Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown acknowledged the issue and stated that it falls under the jurisdiction of the UK government. How confident are you that meaningful change will be implemented?
**Ben Supple:** It’s a complex situation, but I remain hopeful. Raising awareness is the first step, and with the support of our community and animal welfare advocates, we can push for a nationwide dialogue. It’s crucial that both the Scottish and UK governments recognize the importance of animal welfare in their regulations.
**Interviewer:** Given this incident, what do you think the public should consider about fireworks and their impact on animals? Should there be a reevaluation of our fireworks celebrations?
**Ben Supple:** I believe it’s essential for the public to reflect on the broader implications of using fireworks. While they are a traditional part of celebrations like Guy Fawkes night, it’s vital to weigh that against the potential harm to animals. Our enjoyment should not come at the expense of their well-being. I’m interested to hear what readers think—should there be restrictions on fireworks to protect our animal companions? How can we balance celebration with compassion?
