Exotic pets-World Animal Protection advises people not to buy them for their own and the pet safety and well-being!

 The exotic pet trade is booming thanks to the advertising, increased demand and no proper laws or their implementation. But World Animal Protection groups have requested people to not buy exotic pets either for self or to gift it on Christmas to loved ones or friends. They have revealed that these pets suffer and die in the process that could upset the ecosystem balance of the world. 

Exotic pets and their trade

The exotic pets are animals that are not usually kept as pets. These include lizards, turtles, parrots, chinchilla, snakes, and geckos. People are showing a great interest in the purchase of these animals for unusual pets because advertising has shown that keeping them is trendy and cool. It is the in-thing. The unique animal trade is on the rise to meet the demands and the people who are profiteering from it are the two-legged animals of the universe; the humans. But the poor exotic pets are suffering. 

Exotic pets [Source: YouTube]

The trade has become a multi-billion dollar industry and continues to grow due to the rising demand. But various animal charity groups have pleaded with people to stop asking for these exotic animals as pets for the well-being of the animals and the ecosystem. 

Impact of this trade on exotic pets

Some people want to own such exotic animals because they like and appreciate animals. But one can do if the animal does not suffer. But animal groups have revealed that to earn money, traders snatch these small animals from their natural habitats. They breed them in captivity and the sufferers of this are the poor animals that are traded. 

These animals are often shipped over long distances before they reach their new home. No proper attention is paid to their temperature and weather tolerance while transport. Besides, their food supply may also be not conducive for their growth and proper development. 

Exotic reptiles and birds [Source: Vetstreet]

One study has revealed that around 81% of the reptiles that are shipped die annually. And those who manage to survive suffer at the hands of the owners since they do not get proper and adequate foods, space, and enrichment. It is due to the ignorance of the pet owners about the new animal's diet and survival requirements. Besides, the new weather conditions of the place where the animals are transported and form a new home may not be good for the health and well-being of these animals. 

More on the side-effects on the exotic animals

All this contributes to physical and mental poor health of the exotic animals. It is similar to how one feels when one is uprooted from one's culture and familiar surroundings and made to live in alien areas of the world. Many of these exotic pet owners purchase these animals on impulse and seeing other people have it. It becomes something to be proud of and a status symbol. Michele Hamers, Wildlife Campaign Manager with World Animal Protection states: 

"It's really pet stores, like PetSmart, that drive spontaneous purchasing behaviours because first-time buyers tend to get their animals at those types of stores. Uninformed first-time owners only realize after they bring them home, that taking care of an exotic animal is difficult and expensive."

Exotic animal as a pet [Source: Focusing on Wildlife]

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And when they cannot afford to take care of the exotic pet, they leave it free in the environment or dispose them at shelters. That leads to the imbalance of the ecosystem. This happened with the red-eared slider turtles. Some pets also carry diseases such as salmonella that can transmit to the owner. Michele says: 

"Most of these wild animals suffer at every step in the trade chain. The breeding and sales of exotic animals is often poorly regulated and many of these businesses operate according to their own standards. The truth is that captivity can never replace a natural environment and it's nearly impossible to meet the complex needs of a wild animal to keep them happy and healthy. We understand most owners mean well, but wild animals do not belong in captivity, so please think twice this holiday season."