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 cultural traditions involving fireworks be balanced with the need to protect animal welfare?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Ben. It’s a tragic situation with the death of panda cub Roxie. Can you tell us more about what happened?
**Ben Supple:** Yes, unfortunately, on Guy Fawkes night, Roxie choked on her own vomit after becoming severely stressed, likely due to the fireworks. It’s especially saddening as she had recently lost her mother, Ginger, and was adjusting well to life without her.
**Interviewer:** It’s heartbreaking to hear. You mentioned the impact of fireworks on animals. What steps do you think need to be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future?
**Ben Supple:** We believe it’s crucial for both the Scottish and UK governments to tighten guidelines on the use of fireworks. I advocate for a ban on sales to the general public, as fireworks can instill fear and stress in animals—whether they’re pets, livestock, or those in zoos.
**Interviewer:** Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown has also commented on this issue. How do you see the government’s role in addressing fireworks legislation?
**Ben Supple:** Siobhian is correct that the responsibility lies partly with the London government, as they have the power to enact broader regulations. I am hopeful that our feedback will lead to meaningful discussions about reducing the impact of fireworks on animals.
**Interviewer:** Some people argue that fireworks are an essential part of celebrations. How do you address concerns about balancing cultural traditions with animal welfare?
**Ben Supple:** I understand the cultural significance of fireworks, but we must consider their effects on all living beings. With the advancements in technology, we could explore alternatives that honor traditions without harming animals.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ben, for your insights. Given the loss of Roxie, what do you think readers might feel about the ongoing use of fireworks during such celebrations? Should the joy of a few outweigh the distress it causes to animals? We’d love to hear readers’ thoughts on this important debate.
