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 are the potential psychological and physical effects of fireworks on zoo animals, as highlighted by the incident involving Panda cub Roxie?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Ben. The tragic event surrounding Panda cub Roxie has raised significant concerns regarding the impact of fireworks on animals. Can you elaborate on the circumstances leading to Roxie’s choking incident?
**Ben Supple:** Absolutely. Roxie had recently lost her mother, Ginger, and while she was receiving specialized care and was showing resilience, the noise and chaos from fireworks on Guy Fawkes night likely contributed to her distress. It’s an unfortunate situation, as our vets suspect that the stress caused by the fireworks played a role in her choking on her own vomit.
**Interviewer:** That sounds incredibly difficult. You’re advocating for tighter regulations on the use of fireworks. What specific measures are you proposing?
**Ben Supple:** We’re calling for a complete ban on the sale of fireworks to the general public. Fireworks can cause immense fear—not just for zoo animals, but for pets and livestock as well. We believe it is crucial for both the Scottish and UK governments to enforce stricter controls on firework usage to prevent future tragedies like Roxie’s.
**Interviewer:** Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown echoed your sentiments about the distress fireworks cause to animals. What steps do you think the government should take in response to this incident?
**Ben Supple:** The government must acknowledge the serious implications of fireworks on animal welfare. Ideally, we’d see a collaborative effort to draft and implement regularized guidelines that prioritize the safety of our wildlife and pets. A meeting with all stakeholders, including animal welfare organizations and government representatives, would be a valuable first step.
**Interviewer:** Given the history and tradition of fireworks celebrations, do you think there will be enough public support for such a ban?
**Ben Supple:** That’s a critical question. Many people enjoy fireworks, but the welfare of animals must take precedence. This incident could serve as a wake-up call to the public about the unintended consequences of fireworks. We hope that by raising awareness and showing the emotional and physical toll on animals, people will reconsider the necessity of such celebrations.
**Interviewer:** It seems there’s a fine balance between tradition and animal welfare. What do you think is the best approach to fostering a debate on this issue among the public?
**Ben Supple:** Engaging the community in discussions about the impact of fireworks can be very effective. Involving animal lovers, parents, and even fireworks enthusiasts in a dialog could help elevate awareness. Asking the public to consider questions like, “Is the thrill of fireworks worth the potential harm to animals?” can spark meaningful conversations and lead to more empathy for all creatures affected by these celebrations.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ben. That certainly gives us a lot to think about as we consider the broader implications of fireworks on animal life and our societal traditions.
**Ben Supple:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep this conversation going.
