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 measures can be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of wildlife during traditional celebrations?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland**
**Interviewer:** Ben, thank you for joining us. It’s heartbreaking to hear about Roxie’s tragic incident on Guy Fawkes night. Can you share more about how the fireworks may have influenced this situation?
**Ben Supple:** Certainly. Roxie, having recently lost her mother, was already under stress. Our vets believe the loud noises from the fireworks likely contributed to her distress, leading to the choking incident. This is a stark reminder of the toll such events can take on animals.
**Interviewer:** You’ve called for tighter guidelines and a potential ban on firework sales to the general public. What kind of changes do you think would be most effective?
**Ben Supple:** It’s essential to implement stricter regulations on firework usage, especially during events that could disturb wildlife and domestic animals. Limiting sales to licensed professionals and creating designated areas for fireworks displays could significantly reduce their impact.
**Interviewer:** Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown has acknowledged the issue but pointed to the UK government as the one needing to make changes. Do you think enough is being done at both levels of government?
**Ben Supple:** It’s a complicated situation. While local governments can raise awareness, real change requires cooperation at the national level. I hope our call to action sparks dialogue and leads to substantial policy changes.
**Interviewer:** As we talk about the impact of fireworks, it raises an important question: Should the rights and welfare of animals be prioritized over traditional celebrations like Guy Fawkes Night? What do you think readers will feel about this?
**Ben Supple:** That’s an essential debate to have. Many cherish these traditions, but when they lead to distress for animals, we must evaluate whether they should be adapted. Are our celebrations worth the potential harm to innocent lives? I’m eager to hear what the public thinks.