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 communities balance traditional firework celebrations with the welfare of local wildlife?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Ben. It’s a tragic situation with the panda cub, Roxie. Can you explain what happened on Guy Fawkes night?
**Ben Supple**: Certainly. Unfortunately, on the evening of Guy Fawkes night, Roxie choked on her own vomit. Our veterinary team suspects this was triggered by the stress caused by the loud fireworks during the celebrations. Roxie had recently lost her mother, Ginger, and was already vulnerable.
**Editor**: You mentioned the stress from fireworks. How can such events impact animals in zoos?
**Ben Supple**: Fireworks create a significant amount of noise that can frighten not only domestic pets but also wildlife in zoos. Elevated stress levels can lead to serious health issues. In Roxie’s case, it seems to have contributed to a tragic outcome during a distressing time for her.
**Editor**: What actions are you advocating for in light of this incident?
**Ben Supple**: I’m calling on both the Scottish and UK governments to tighten the regulations surrounding the use and sale of fireworks. I believe that banning their sale to the general public could greatly reduce these risks to animals. Public safety is important, of course, but we must also ensure the safety of all creatures impacted by such displays.
**Editor**: Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown has acknowledged the issue and called for governmental action. How do you see this unfolding?
**Ben Supple**: It’s promising to hear that the issue is being recognized at a governmental level. Siobhian Brown is reaching out for discussions on this matter, but ultimately, it’s the UK government that has the jurisdiction to implement significant changes. We hope they will act swiftly to protect our wildlife and pets from such preventable harm.
**Editor**: This news raises a crucial question: Do you believe it’s time to rethink traditional fireworks displays in the context of animal welfare? Should community celebrations shift to alternative forms of entertainment?
**Ben Supple**: I think that’s a conversation we all need to engage in. While fireworks are a long-standing tradition, we must weigh the cultural significance against the tangible harm they can cause to vulnerable populations, including animals. What do you think? Should we preserve fireworks for human enjoyment, or prioritize the well-being of our animals?