Many millions of exotic pets are kept around the globe, including reptiles, mammals, fish, and birds. They are bought by their owners because they love animals. However, wild animals’ needs and natural behaviours can not be met in the homes of most pet owners.
Must Read: how service dogs save lives
Wild animals belong in nature
Exotic pets are wild animals that have not been domesticated. Domestication is a process of selective breeding that can take place over many thousands of years. Parrots, snakes, iguanas and tortoises – these are just a few of the many species that have been made pets all over the globe. Dogs, cats, and farm animals such as chickens, pigs, and horses are all domesticated species.
The exotic pet trade has both legal and illegal sides. It doesn’t matter if the exotic pet trade is legal or illegal. Captive-bred animals and wild-caught animals are all cruel. This trade is on the rise.
Exotic pet trade animals often travel long distances and are often killed. Exotic pets can be either taken from the wild, or raised on farms. They are often transported long distances to reach their destination. Unfortunately, four out of five illegal wildlife traders animals will die in transit or in captivity within one year.
Never Miss: maintaining a yard with large dogs
Captivity is a life that will lead to suffering.
This affects the animal’s natural behavior and puts their mental and physical health at risk. Their bodies are often not provided with adequate shelter, food, space to roam, or environment control to maintain the right temperature.
Wild animals should be free to roam the earth, not kept as pets. A life in captivity can be a world away than a wild life.
I have an exotic pet. Is that wrong?
Most people purchase exotic pets because they are passionate about animals. We love animals and want them to be part of our daily lives. The truth is that any wild animal caught up in the exotic pet trade suffers.
We are not equipped to give wild animals the care they need, despite our best efforts. Although some exotic pets are more cruel than others, wild animals cannot be kept in captivity without suffering.
As they are able to provide all their needs, only domesticated animals such as cats and dogs can be kept in homes.
Ask for help from experts
It is important to consult a specialist veterinarian if you have an exotic animal. This will ensure that you are meeting all its welfare needs.
Our research revealed that exotic animals are sold to the public by pet shops or breeders who do not provide any information on how to care for them.
New pet owners are left wondering if they are fulfilling all their pets’ needs.
We urge you to provide the best possible life for your pet, and to do so as long as possible. We ask that you commit to not buying another exotic pet or breeding your own pet.
Don’t allow your exotic pet to go.
We encourage you to surrender your exotic pet to a local rescue organization or humane society if you are unable to take care of it.
It is important to thoroughly research it and determine if the rescue center is being managed in a responsible and transparent manner. This is to make sure that wild animals in their care do not re-enter the entertainment or exotic pet trade.
It is vital that you never allow your pet to go wild, regardless of what happens.
Many of these animals, which aren’t native to our ecosystems, will soon become invasive and disrupt biodiversity. This could lead to the death of many animals.
Also Read: best and strongest shock collars for dogs
Social media is part the solution
Pop culture and social media glorify exotic pets and make them look beautiful, which in turn legitimizes the trade.
You can see hundreds of photos and videos on Instagram, YouTube Weibo, and Facebook. They show everything, from tigers to sugar gliders to turtles. Each post has thousands of likes.
These animals may look adorable, but they have been subject to years of suffering.
Our research has shown that potential buyers are influenced by the “cute” videos they see on social media. In fact, 15% of exotic pet owners surveyed found inspiration via YouTube videos.
Social media is an unregulated market. Many platforms do not have policies to prohibit live trading and some even openly sell wild-caught animal products.
They have made it possible for illegal trade in wildlife to continue by allowing legal trade. We found lovebirds as low as USD 3 each, green iguanas at $12, macaws at $19,000, and even a Giraffe for $5,000.
Global problems require global solutions
All governments around the world must now ban global wildlife trade.
The wildlife trade increases the risk to animal and human health and puts biodiversity under enormous and unsustainable pressure.
Most popular: 5 unexpected costs of owning a dog
By making a commitment to wild animals as pets and keeping them in their natural habitats, you can show your support for wildlife.