The Trouble with Exotic Pets

The Trouble with Exotic Pets

What Is an Exotic Pet? Think about the wildest, most amazing animals on Earth. What comes to mind? An African lion? A white tiger? An elephant or a big black bear? You may picture these animals running across a savanna or resting on high branches in a jungle. Perhaps you have seen them up close in zoos. Some people, however, keep wild animals such as tigers, parrots, or pythons as pets in their homes. These types of pets are called exotic pets. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that one in ten U. S. homes has an exotic pet.

United States law defines exotic animals as those not usually kept as pets or on farms. They often come from other countries. An animal does not have to be huge to be exotic. Animals such as hedgehogs, turtles, gerbils, and lizards are also considered exotic pets. Exotic animals are usually wild, meaning they have not been domesticated. A domestic animal-such as a dog or a horse--has been bred to live easily with humans. Domestic animals have often been bred to be gentle or social. Exotic animals, on the other hand, have traits that help them survive in the wild. As a result, they can be very dangerous when kept as pets.

Why Do People Want Exotic Pets? Many exotic animals make fun, beloved pets. They can be beautiful and interesting to watch, too. However, so can domestic animals. Why choose an exotic pet? A dog, fish, or cat may not sound that unusual, but a tiger is sure to amaze people. For some people, keeping a wild pet such as a cheetah is a way to show off. Still others have their own personal zoos. They may search the world for the next exotic animal to add to their collection. Many people simply fall in love with the animals. They may treat them like their own family. Some owners even dress certain animals, such as chimpanzees, in human clothes.

The Popularity of Exotic Pets Millions of exotic animals are kept as pets across the United States-more than live in zoos. Among the most desired are big cats such as tigers, lions, and cheetahs. The United States is also home to fifteen thousand primate pets, including chimpanzees and monkeys. Reptiles are the most common type of exotic pet, ranging from tiny lizards to deadly snakes. Exotic birds from around the world are also found in American homes.

Although many exotic pets are found in the United States, the biggest customer of the exotic pet trade is China. Owning a pet snake, crocodile, monkey, or shark is popular. In parts of the Middle East, a pet cheetah is considered a status symbol among very wealthy people. Europe imports more pet reptiles than any other place. Nearly half of all traded wildlife comes from Asia. The next biggest source is Africa, followed by South and Central America. Selling wildlife provides much-needed income for many communities. However, taking too many animals out of the wild can threaten the survival of a species.