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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How can communities celebrate events without jeopardizing the well-being of local wildlife and domestic pets?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Chairman of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Ben. It’s truly heartbreaking to hear about the tragic loss of panda cub Roxie. Can you tell us more about the circumstances surrounding her untimely passing?
**Ben Supple:** Absolutely. Roxie unfortunately choked on her own vomit during the fireworks on Guy Fawkes night, which our vets believe was likely a response to the stress caused by the loud noises. It’s particularly devastating as she had just lost her mother, Ginger, and was beginning to adjust with our team’s specialized care.
**Interviewer:** This incident has sparked a discussion about the impact of fireworks on animals, both domesticated and in captivity. What changes are you advocating for regarding firework regulations?
**Ben Supple:** We’re calling for stricter guidelines and even a ban on the sale of fireworks to the general public. Fireworks can create significant fear and stress for animals— not just at zoos but also for pets and livestock. It’s essential for the government to take action to protect these vulnerable beings.
**Interviewer:** Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown acknowledged the stress fireworks cause to animals. However, she pointed out that the real responsibility lies with the UK government. How do you see this issue evolving?
**Ben Supple:** It’s clear that this is an issue that transcends local governance. We need a coordinated effort between the Scottish and UK governments to create comprehensive laws that protect animals from unnecessary distress. The fact that a young cub lost her life due to a preventable cause should be a wake-up call.
**Interviewer:** As a final thought, many people enjoy fireworks as part of annual celebrations. How do you propose balancing public enjoyment with the welfare of animals?
**Ben Supple:** That’s a difficult but necessary discussion. We need to consider alternatives that allow for celebration without causing harm. Perhaps organized displays in controlled environments could be an answer, alongside stricter rules for personal use. It’s crucial for the public to understand the consequences of their actions on those who cannot speak for themselves.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ben, for sharing your insights. For our readers, what do you think? Should there be stricter regulations on fireworks to protect animals, even if it means changing long-standing traditions?
