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
How can we promote awareness about the impact of fireworks on animals and encourage alternative celebration methods?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Ben. It’s been a tough time for everyone at the zoo after the tragic loss of little Roxie. Can you elaborate on how you think fireworks played a role in her death?
**Ben Supple:** Certainly. Roxie’s unfortunate choking episode occurred on Guy Fawkes night, a time when fireworks can disrupt wildlife and domesticated animals alike. Our veterinary team believes that her reaction was likely a stress response to the loud noises associated with fireworks, especially following her recent loss of her mother.
**Interviewer:** That’s heartbreaking. You’ve called for stricter guidelines on fireworks and even the potential banning of sales to the public. What kind of changes do you think would make a difference?
**Ben Supple:** We need to see tighter regulations governing not just the use of fireworks but their sale as well. Increased restrictions could help mitigate the fear and stress that animals experience during these celebrations, protecting both pets and zoo animals from tragic outcomes like Roxie’s.
**Interviewer:** Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown also expressed sadness over Roxie’s death and acknowledged the stress fireworks cause. What steps do you think the government should take regarding public safety versus personal freedom?
**Ben Supple:** It’s a delicate balance. While we must respect individual freedoms, public safety—especially that of vulnerable animals—should be a priority. This incident might encourage a necessary conversation about how we celebrate events without putting our animals at risk.
**Interviewer:** This raises an interesting point. How do you think the public would respond to a ban on fireworks? Do you foresee any strong opinions or pushback from certain communities?
**Ben Supple:** Absolutely. This is a contentious issue; many people enjoy fireworks as part of cultural and community celebrations. However, I believe that as public awareness of the distress caused to animals increases, we might see more support for alternative, less disruptive forms of celebration. Engaging the community in this discussion could help find a middle ground.
**Interviewer:** And lastly, what would you like readers to take away from this incident?
**Ben Supple:** I hope it sparks a conversation about the implications of fireworks on all animals, pushing for a more compassionate way to celebrate that considers every member of our communities—human and animal alike.
**Call to Action:** Are fireworks an essential part of celebration, or should the rights and well-being of animals take priority? What do you think? Join the debate in the comments below!
