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 measures can be taken to better protect zoo animals from the effects of fireworks during celebrations?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of RZSS**
**Q: Ben, can you explain the tragic circumstances surrounding Roxie’s death?**
Ben Supple: On Guy Fawkes night, Roxie, a young panda, unfortunately choked on her own vomit. Our vets believe her reaction was likely due to the stress caused by the fireworks being set off around that time.
**Q: How has Roxie’s recent loss of her mother affected her condition?**
Ben Supple: Roxie recently lost her mother, Ginger, which has already been a significant stressor for her. While we were hopeful that she was responding well to the specialist care we provided, the added trauma from the fireworks was likely too much for her.
**Q: What are your thoughts on the current regulations surrounding fireworks in the UK?**
Ben Supple: I believe there needs to be a tightening of guidelines on the use of fireworks. It is evident that they can induce fear and stress not just in pets and livestock but also in zoo animals, as we have seen in this tragic incident. I am advocating for a ban on sales to the general public.
**Q: Siobhian Brown mentioned the need for action from the government in London; what change do you want to see from them?**
Ben Supple: It is crucial for both the Scottish and UK governments to address this issue. We need stricter restrictions on fireworks to protect not only our animals but also pets and livestock across the country.
**Q: How do you think the public feels about the use of fireworks considering the stress they cause to animals?**
Ben Supple: I think this raises an important question for discussion: Should the enjoyment of fireworks for celebrations outweigh the well-being of animals that suffer because of them? It’s a topic that deserves further debate, especially after such a heartbreaking incident.
**Debate Question for Readers: What do you think should be prioritized: the traditional use of fireworks during celebrations or the protection of animals from the stress they cause?**