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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How can communities promote alternative celebrations that minimize stress for local wildlife?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland**
**Interviewer:** Ben, thank you for joining us to discuss the tragic loss of panda cub Roxie. Can you elaborate on the circumstances of her passing on Guy Fawkes night?
**Ben Supple:** Thank you for having me. It’s an incredibly sad situation. Roxie choked on her own vomit, which our vets believe was triggered by the stress caused by fireworks. As you know, she had recently lost her mother, Ginger, and was under special care. Despite our efforts, the fireworks created a stressful environment that we believe contributed to her tragic death.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned a call for stricter regulations on fireworks use. What specific changes are you advocating for?
**Ben Supple:** We’re advocating for the Scottish Government and the UK central government to tighten guidelines on fireworks usage, including banning their sale to the general public. It’s crucial that we protect not just domestic pets but also zoo animals, as the stress from fireworks can have dire consequences.
**Interviewer:** Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown has acknowledged the stress fireworks cause animals. What actions do you hope to see from the government moving forward?
**Ben Supple:** I hope they acknowledge the urgency of this issue and take proactive steps to limit the use of fireworks, especially during events like Guy Fawkes night. The health and wellbeing of animals, both in our care and in communities, must be prioritized.
**Interviewer:** This situation raises a larger question about the balance between celebration and animal welfare. What do you think readers should consider regarding their use of fireworks? Should personal enjoyment take precedence, or should we prioritize animal safety?
**Ben Supple:** That’s a crucial question. I believe it sparks a valuable debate. Should we continue with traditions that can have devastating effects on our animal companions, or find alternative ways to celebrate that don’t compromise their wellbeing? I encourage readers to think about the impact of their choices and engage in conversations about animal welfare in the context of public celebrations.