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 public awareness campaigns effectively highlight the impact of fireworks on wildlife and domestic animals?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)**
**Interviewer:** Ben, thank you for joining us today. It’s heartbreaking to hear about the loss of panda cub Roxie. Can you share more about the circumstances surrounding her death?
**Ben Supple:** Thank you for having me. Roxie’s death is indeed tragic. On Guy Fawkes night, she unfortunately choked on her own vomit, which our veterinarians believe was likely a reaction to the fireworks that night. She had recently lost her mother, Ginger, but had been responding well to care from our team. It’s devastating for us and for her.
**Interviewer:** Fireworks have long been a part of celebration events, but you’re advocating for stricter regulations regarding their use. What specific measures do you think should be implemented by the government?
**Ben Supple:** I’m calling for tighter guidelines on the use of fireworks, ideally a ban on sales to the general public. Fireworks not only cause tremendous stress for animals—whether pets, livestock, or those in zoos—but they can lead to tragic incidents like what we saw with Roxie. It’s vital that our governments take this seriously.
**Interviewer:** Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown has acknowledged the stress fireworks cause for animals and mentioned that a meeting has been requested with the government in London. Do you believe public pressure could influence policy changes around fireworks?
**Ben Supple:** Absolutely. Public awareness can drive change. If people recognize the distress that fireworks cause to animals, they may support a change in legislation. Increased dialogue between the public, animal welfare organizations, and government officials can help us advocate for a safer environment for all creatures.
**Interviewer:** It’s a very somber topic indeed. As we move forward, what do you hope the public will take away from this incident regarding the use of fireworks during celebrations?
**Ben Supple:** I hope the public understands the broader implications of fireworks on animal welfare. Roxie’s sad fate is a wake-up call. If we can spark a conversation about responsible celebrations that consider all beings—human and animal alike—that would be a significant step forward.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ben. We appreciate your insights during this difficult time.
**Question for the Readers:** Given the tragic circumstances surrounding Roxie’s death, do you believe it is time to reconsider our use of fireworks during celebrations? What measures do you think should be taken to protect animals from the stress and dangers associated with them?
