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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How can public awareness be raised about the impact of fireworks on wildlife and domestic pets?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland**
**Q: Can you share more details about Roxie’s unfortunate incident and the context surrounding it?**
Ben Supple: Roxie, our young panda cub, tragically choked on her own vomit during the Guy Fawkes night celebrations. This is particularly heartbreaking as she had recently lost her mother, Ginger. Our team had been providing her specialized care, and she was responding well, but the stress from the fireworks seems to have contributed to this incident.
**Q: You mentioned calling for stricter regulations on fireworks. What specific changes are you advocating for?**
Ben Supple: We’re urging both the Scottish Government and the UK central government to tighten guidelines on fireworks. Ideally, we’d like to see a complete ban on the sale of fireworks to the general public. Fireworks can generate immense fear and stress not only for domestic pets but also for wildlife in zoos.
**Q: What has been the response from government officials regarding your concerns?**
Ben Supple: Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown acknowledged the stress fireworks cause to animals and expressed her sympathy for Roxie’s death. However, she noted that the ultimate authority lies with the government in London, and she has requested a meeting to discuss potential actions.
**Q: The public can have varied opinions on fireworks. How do you think the community should respond to this issue?**
Ben Supple: I think it’s crucial for the community to engage in this discussion. Fireworks are a traditional celebration for many, but we must weigh that against the impact on our animals. Do we value our celebrations over the well-being of vulnerable creatures? This incident has sparked a significant conversation about the ethical implications of fireworks use, and I encourage everyone to share their thoughts on this matter.
**Reader Debate Question: Given the emotional toll and potential dangers fireworks pose to animals like Roxie, should the UK consider implementing stricter regulations or even a ban on their sale to the public? What are your thoughts?**
