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 specific measures are being proposed to mitigate the impact of fireworks on wildlife in Scotland?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland**
**Q: Ben, can you tell us more about the tragic incident involving Roxie?**
**Ben Supple:** Yes, it’s very heartbreaking. Roxie, our young panda cub, choked on her own vomit during Guy Fawkes night, which our vets believe was likely a response to the stress caused by the fireworks. She had recently lost her mother, Ginger, and while she was stabilizing with specialist care, this incident has deeply affected all of us here at the zoo.
**Q: What are your thoughts on the impact of fireworks on animals?**
**Ben Supple:** Fireworks can cause significant fear and distress to both domestic pets and zoo animals. We’ve seen evidence of this stress affecting wildlife, and sadly, it contributed to Roxie’s death. That’s why we are advocating strongly for the Scottish Government and the UK central government to impose stricter regulations on the use and sale of fireworks.
**Q: Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown has noted that responsibility lies with the government in London. What are your views on this and the call for a possible ban?**
**Ben Supple:** I believe it’s crucial for both Scottish and UK governments to come together on this issue. While Minister Brown has acknowledged the stress that fireworks cause to animals, it’s vital that immediate action is taken to protect them. A ban on public sales of fireworks could not only help prevent tragedies like Roxie’s but also improve the quality of life for countless animals.
**Q: Given the emotional response to such incidents, how do you think the public will react to the suggested ban on fireworks?**
**Ben Supple:** I expect a mixture of opinions from the public. Some may prioritize the joy and tradition associated with fireworks, while others might see the ethical implications of their impact on animals. It’s important for us to have this conversation—how do we balance enjoyment with compassion for living beings? I would love to hear what readers think: Should the focus be on preserving this tradition, or do we need stronger regulations to protect our animals?