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 specific measures can individuals take to minimize the impact of fireworks on animals during celebrations?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)**
**Q: Can you explain how exactly the fireworks on Guy Fawkes night affected Roxie, and what has been the response from the zoo community?**
**Ben Supple:** Unfortunately, Roxie choked on her own vomit, which our vets believe was likely a reaction to the stress caused by the fireworks. Our team worked hard to provide specialist care for her, particularly after she lost her mother, Ginger. The distress caused by loud noises, like fireworks, can have serious consequences for wildlife, and we’re deeply saddened by this tragic event.
**Q: What steps are you advocating for in terms of legislative changes regarding fireworks?**
**Ben Supple:** We’re calling on both the Scottish and UK governments to tighten the guidelines surrounding fireworks. Specifically, we would like to see stricter regulations on the sale and use of fireworks to the general public. It’s crucial to ensure the wellbeing of pets and wildlife, as stress and fear can lead to tragic outcomes like what happened to Roxie.
**Q: Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown has mentioned that the London government has more control over fireworks regulations. How do you feel about this division of responsibility?**
**Ben Supple:** It’s concerning that effective measures to protect animals rely on a split jurisdiction. While we appreciate the attention that Minister Brown is giving to the issue, it’s vital for both governments to work collaboratively to mitigate the risks posed by fireworks to all living creatures. Animal welfare should be a priority across the board.
**Q: Given this incident, what’s your message to the public regarding fireworks and their use during celebrations?**
**Ben Supple:** Fireworks might be fun for many, but we must consider the impact they have on animals. I urge the public to reflect on whether their enjoyment is worth the potential harm to wildlife and pets. As we remember Roxie and other animals that suffer from similar incidents, it’s time for a broader community discussion about how we celebrate.
**Debate Prompt for Readers:** In light of the tragic loss of baby panda Roxie and the stress that fireworks can cause to animals, do you think it’s time for stricter regulations or an outright ban on the sale of fireworks to the public? What considerations should be taken into account when it comes to balancing human enjoyment and animal welfare?
