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 are the specific risks that fireworks pose to animals, particularly in zoos?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Ben. It’s heartbreaking to hear about the tragic loss of panda cub Roxie. Can you tell us what happened on Guy Fawkes night that led to such an unfortunate incident?
**Ben Supple:** Thank you for having me. On Guy Fawkes night, Roxie, who had recently lost her mother, Ginger, choked on her own vomit. Our veterinary team believes this incident was likely exacerbated by the stress caused by the fireworks associated with the celebrations that night. Fireworks can create intense fear and anxiety in animals, which is a serious issue we need to address.
**Interviewer:** That’s truly distressing. Given this sad event, what measures are you advocating for to protect animals in similar situations?
**Ben Supple:** We are calling for the Scottish and UK governments to tighten the current regulations surrounding the sale and use of fireworks. We believe that banning sales to the general public is essential. The well-being of all animals, including those in zoos, must be prioritized, as they can experience significant distress during firework displays.
**Interviewer:** A compelling point. Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown has expressed similar concerns, emphasizing the government’s role in addressing this issue. What kind of changes do you hope to see from the government in terms of policy?
**Ben Supple:** We’re hoping for a comprehensive review of current fireworks legislation. The focus should be on reducing their impact on both domestic and zoo animals. We need to consider alternatives for celebrations that don’t involve loud noises that can trigger fear responses in our wildlife and pets.
**Interviewer:** As public sentiment plays a crucial role in policymaking, how do you think this incident may influence public attitudes toward fireworks?
**Ben Supple:** I believe this tragic loss will resonate with many people. It raises awareness about the unintended consequences fireworks can have beyond just the immediate entertainment value. I encourage the public to reflect on whether their celebrations are worth the potential harm to animals. Engaging in dialog around this can foster greater understanding and push for change.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ben, for sharing your insights on this serious issue. For our readers, what do you think should be done about the use of fireworks in celebrations? Should the public be allowed to purchase them, or is it time for stricter regulations to protect animals from fear and distress? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
