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 chairman 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 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 long-term effects of fireworks on zoo animals and wildlife, and how can we mitigate these risks?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Chairman of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Ben. The tragic passing of panda cub Roxie has sparked quite the conversation on the impact of fireworks on animals. Can you tell us more about what happened?
**Ben Supple:** Of course. Roxie, unfortunately, choked on her own vomit on Guy Fawkes night. We believe this was likely a reaction to the fireworks that were being set off in the area. Fireworks can create extreme stress for animals, and Roxie had already been going through a tough time after losing her mother, Ginger.
**Interviewer:** That’s heartbreaking. You’ve been vocal about the need for stricter regulations regarding fireworks. What specific changes are you advocating for?
**Ben Supple:** I’m calling for the Scottish and UK governments to tighten the guidelines on fireworks, particularly advocating for a ban on sales to the general public. Fireworks aren’t just a human enjoyment; they pose real risks and stress to pets, livestock, and zoo animals.
**Interviewer:** Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown echoed your sentiments, pointing out that the London government holds the power to make significant changes. What do you think could be done to push for these regulations?
**Ben Supple:** Continuous public awareness is vital. We need people to realize the broader implications of fireworks—not just for pets, but for wildlife and livestock as well. If we can gather public support around this issue, it would lend weight to our calls for the government to act.
**Interviewer:** Roxie’s passing is indeed tragic, and it raises a broader question: Should individual freedoms, like celebrating with fireworks, be limited when it affects the well-being of animals? What are your thoughts, and what would you like our readers to consider?
**Ben Supple:** That’s a crucial question. As a society, we often need to weigh our desires against the well-being of other beings. I urge our readers to consider if a few moments of celebration are worth the distress it causes so many animals—whether in zoos, homes, or farms. It’s a collective responsibility to ensure a safe environment for all creatures, and sometimes that may mean making sacrifices in our own traditions.
