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 long-term effects of fireworks on animal welfare that you foresee?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Ben. First, can you tell us about the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of panda cub Roxie?
**Ben Supple:** Thank you for having me. Unfortunately, Roxie choked on her own vomit on Guy Fawkes night, which I believe was likely triggered by the fireworks nearby. She had recently lost her mother, Ginger, but had been responding well to the care we provided. It’s heartbreaking for us all.
**Interviewer:** Given this incident, what changes are you advocating regarding fireworks use in Scotland?
**Ben Supple:** We are urgently calling for the Scottish Government and the UK central government to tighten guidelines and consider banning the sale of fireworks to the general public. Fireworks cause significant distress to animals, whether they’re in homes or in zoos, and we need stricter regulations to prevent tragedies like this.
**Interviewer:** Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown has stated that this issue ultimately lies with the government in London. How do you view the government’s response so far?
**Ben Supple:** It’s encouraging that Minister Brown acknowledges the stress fireworks cause animals, but more concrete actions are necessary. We need to engage in meaningful conversations with those in power to create effective change.
**Interviewer:** As this issue draws attention, what do you think the public’s reaction will be regarding the use of fireworks during celebrations?
**Ben Supple:** This incident illustrates the potential hazards of fireworks not just for pets, but for wildlife too. I would encourage readers to think critically about whether the celebration is worth the risk of distress and harm to animals. Should we prioritize enjoyment over the welfare of vulnerable creatures? It’s a debate worth having.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ben, for shedding light on this important issue. It certainly raises significant questions about the impact of fireworks on both domestic and wild animals.
