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 potential alternatives to traditional fireworks that could preserve celebratory traditions while mitigating harm to animals?
In light of the tragic death of baby red panda Roxie at Edinburgh Zoo, which has been linked to the stress caused by fireworks on Bonfire Night, it raises an important question: Should the sale and use of fireworks by the general public be banned to protect animals and the community’s well-being? Many argue that the joy of fireworks does not outweigh the potential harm they cause to pets, livestock, and wildlife, while others insist on preserving traditions and personal freedoms. What are your thoughts on this controversial issue? Should stricter regulations be enacted, or should we find a middle ground that allows for both celebration and animal welfare?
