Introduction

We have forever been fascinated by animals, and since time immemorial, have tried to get a better understanding of the creatures that we share our world with. While we’ve hunted animals for our survival and sport, we have also tamed a few that now share our living spaces with us. While domestic cats, dogs, certain varieties of birds and rodents, and captive-bred fish make for good pets, most other animals are best left in their natural habitats. A rather disturbing fad that has emerged over the last couple of decades is that of having exotic animals as pets. In fact, this largely illegal industry is pegged at over US$ 20 billion! Unless you own a game reserve, it would be a terrible idea to own animals like chimpanzees, pythons, scarlet macaws, etc., both for you and the animal.

 

Why it not okay to own exotic animals as a pet

• Direct threat to life:

During ancient times, kings and royalty would keep wild animals like tigers and cheetahs as pets. It wasn’t a great idea back then, and it certainly isn’t any better an idea today. It goes unsaid that such animals are simply not meant to be caged or tamed, and even ones that are bred in captivity are known to attack their handlers. Besides, these majestic animals are meant to be free and out in the wild. The few that are bred in captivity are known to have much shorter lives than those in the wild.

• High risk of diseases:

Most animals are carriers of various diseases that may not necessarily be harmful to them but can be extremely harmful to humans who may come in contact with them. There have been several instances of zoonotic diseases such as Herpes B, Monkeypox, plague, etc., that have been contracted by humans in contact with exotic animals. The most recent COVID-19 pandemic too is believed to have originated in pangolins. 

• Illegal:

The illegal trade of exotic animals is flourishing in part of Asia and Africa. There are various bans in place to dissuade the trade and ownership of exotic animals. Owning an exotic pet may attract a very heavy penalty and even jail time.

• Animal cruelty:

Exotic and wild animals, much like humans, thrive in their natural habitats. Most exotic animals are illegally hunted and separated from their families at a very young age. This trauma has a very lasting impact on their health, with many dying during transportation. Even those that make it to homes to become pets may never completely heal from the ordeal. They tend to have much shorter and miserable lives than they would in the wild. 

 

Conclusion

Rescuing wild animals may be a good act, but keeping them as pets is a terrible atrocity. Various stringent laws have been enforced to restrict such acts. Besides, there is a constant threat of zoonotic diseases being transmitted through such exotic pets. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions on owning exotic animals

• What should I do if I see an exotic animal being abused?

Contact the nearest animal rescue centre immediately. 

 

• Do exotic pets attack owners?

Yes, overly abused exotic pets attack their owner.

 

• Do animals stay happy in captivity?

Apart from domestic animals, all other animals prefer their natural habitat.

 

• Do exotic animals need extensive care?

Yes, exotic animals need utmost care.

 

• What are the major diseases caused by exotic animals?

Herpes B, Monkeypox, plague, etc., are the major zoonotic diseases.