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.
#Fireworks #blamed #baby #panda #dies #Edinburgh #Zoo
What measures can be taken at the community level to promote awareness of the impacts of fireworks on animal welfare?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of RZSS Edinburgh Zoo**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Ben. It’s a tragic day for the zoo with the loss of Roxie. Can you share more about how her death is being linked to the fireworks on Guy Fawkes night?
**Ben Supple:** Yes, unfortunately, Roxie choked on her own vomit, and we believe this incident was triggered by the stress of the fireworks. She recently lost her mother, Ginger, and while she was responding well to our care, the chaos and loud noises of fireworks might have caused her distress.
**Interviewer:** It’s heart-wrenching to hear. You’ve been vocal about the need for stricter regulations on fireworks. Can you elaborate on why these changes are necessary?
**Ben Supple:** Absolutely. Fireworks can create significant fear and stress not just for animals in zoos, but also for pets and livestock. The current lack of regulation puts all these creatures at risk. I’m advocating for the Scottish and UK governments to reconsider the sale and use of fireworks to prevent future tragedies.
**Interviewer:** Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown echoed these sentiments, highlighting that many animals suffer due to fireworks. What do you think can be done at a community level to raise awareness?
**Ben Supple:** Community awareness is crucial. We can engage local organizations, educational programs, and social media campaigns to inform people about the risks fireworks pose to animals. It’s about fostering empathy and understanding the impacts of our celebrations.
**Interviewer:** In light of Roxie’s story, do you think it’s time for a public debate on the ethics of using fireworks? What would you like to see from the community regarding this issue?
**Ben Supple:** Definitely. I believe we should open the floor for discussion on whether our traditions are worth the consequence of animal suffering. I encourage everyone to consider alternatives to fireworks, like community displays, which can still bring joy without the negative impact on our animals.
**Interviewer:** A thought-provoking perspective, Ben. How do you think the community will respond to this call for change?
**Ben Supple:** I hope they will see it as a shared responsibility. Our animals deserve to be considered in our celebrations. I’d love to hear from others on how they feel about balancing festivities with the welfare of our wildlife.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Ben. This certainly raises important questions for our readers. What are your thoughts on fireworks and their impact on animal welfare? Should there be a ban on their sale to the public? Let’s start a discussion.
