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 specific measures is the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland advocating for to address the dangers of fireworks to wildlife?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Ben. It’s incredibly sad to hear about the tragic loss of panda cub Roxie. Can you walk us through what happened on Guy Fawkes night?
**Ben Supple:** Yes, it was a heartbreaking situation. Roxie, who had recently lost her mother Gingher, was under expert care and was feeding independently. However, on the night of Guy Fawkes, she unfortunately choked on her own vomit. Our veterinary team believes that the distress caused by the fireworks was a significant factor in this incident.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned that fireworks can be particularly stressful for animals. Can you elaborate on that?
**Ben Supple:** Absolutely. Fireworks create loud noises and sudden bursts of light that can instill fear in many animals, including pets and wildlife. This can lead to severe stress responses, affecting their health and well-being. In Roxie’s case, the stress may have triggered her reaction.
**Interviewer:** In light of this tragedy, you’re advocating for tighter restrictions on fireworks. What specific changes are you hoping to see from the government?
**Ben Supple:** We are urging both the Scottish Parliament and Westminster to consider stricter regulations around the sale and use of fireworks to the general public. A complete ban on sales to civilians may be necessary to prevent further distress and harm to animals across Scotland and the UK.
**Interviewer:** The Scottish Community Safety Minister, Siobhian Brown, has also commented on the situation. What support have you received from government officials?
**Ben Supple:** Minister Brown has acknowledged the impact of fireworks on animals and expressed her sadness regarding Roxie’s death. She has taken steps to initiate conversations with the UK government to address these concerns, but we need more action to ensure animal welfare is prioritized.
**Interviewer:** Before we end, what message would you like to convey to the public about this incident and the broader issue of fireworks?
**Ben Supple:** This incident is a tragic reminder of the consequences that fireworks can have on our wildlife and pets. While many enjoy fireworks, we must consider the impact on animals that share our environment. I hope this tragic event sparks a serious conversation about responsible practices regarding fireworks.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Ben. Now, readers, what do you think about the use of fireworks in public celebrations? Do you believe they should be banned entirely to protect animals, or do you think there are ways to minimize their impact while preserving this tradition? Join the discussion below.