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.
#Fireworks #blamed #baby #panda #dies #Edinburgh #Zoo
What measures can be implemented to protect animals from the distress caused by fireworks during celebrations?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Ben. It’s a heartbreaking situation regarding the loss of Roxie. Can you explain what happened to her?
**Ben Supple**: Thank you for having me. Roxie sadly choked on her own vomit on Guy Fawkes night, which is particularly tragic given that she was already dealing with the recent loss of her mother, Ginger. Our vets believe her distress was likely triggered by the fireworks that accompanied the celebrations.
**Interviewer**: What steps are you advocating for in light of this incident?
**Ben Supple**: We are calling on the Scottish and UK governments to tighten the regulations surrounding the sale and use of fireworks. The panic and stress they cause, not just to pets but to wildlife in zoos, is significant. We believe a ban on public sales of fireworks is necessary to protect our animals.
**Interviewer**: Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown has echoed your concerns, but advises that the central government has the ability to enact change. How hopeful are you about future regulations?
**Ben Supple**: I am cautiously optimistic. The minister’s acknowledgment of this issue is a step in the right direction. We need a collaborative effort to develop guidelines that prioritize animal welfare. The conversation is starting, and that’s important.
**Interviewer**: For our readers, this raises a crucial question: Should the enjoyment of fireworks during celebrations be prioritized over the wellbeing of animals? What are your thoughts?
**Ben Supple**: That’s a debate worth having. While fireworks have been a tradition for many, it’s vital to consider their impact on the emotional and physical health of animals. The loss of Roxie is a painful reminder that we need to balance celebration with compassion for all living creatures.
**Interviewer**: Thank you for sharing your insights, Ben. This is certainly a topic that many will want to weigh in on.
What do you think, readers? Should there be stricter regulations on fireworks in light of their impact on animals, or does the tradition of fireworks hold too much cultural significance to change?
