Friday, May 25, 2012

Figures Show Exotic Animals For Sale At An All Time High

By Willie McGuire


Exotic animals are those that are not typically kept at home. Examples of these are hyenas, bobcats, and hedgehogs. Statistics show that the number of exotic animal for sale as pets has increased in recent years.

Approximately around 7,000 tigers are kept as pets, more than the number living in the wild. Also, more than 10,000 primates like monkeys and raccoons are being domesticated by some Americans. Most of these are already endangered.

The government has not come up with strict rules regarding ownership of these rare animals. The interest among people wanting to own them have doubled or tripled throughout the years. Even so, acquiring them is still strongly discouraged.

The idea of taking such species as pets has received a variety of feedbacks from different people. Zoologists and humane societies strongly disapprove of keeping these animals at home. Private individuals say the opposite.

Exotic animals' natural habitat is in the wild. Many argue that if kept at home, one is depriving them to be free and act normally. To counteract this concern, owners build animal storage which mimics the wild. They consider the natural environment of a certain species and incorporate it.

Scientists are also concerned about the health risks they pose to people. According to research, many of them serve as carriers, transmitting deadly diseases to humans. A very good example is the Ebola virus which is carried by a certain species of monkeys. But owners reason that if these animals are receiving good care and treatment, the possibility of acquiring diseases is kept to a minimum.

Because of the need of little space, some pet lovers favor them. They also do not require that you feed them every now and then or show them affection which is what dogs and cats ask their owners. Some people who develop allergies like asthma also prefer having them over their fur-covered counterparts.

As the demand increases, so does the exotic animal for sale. It only shows that people want to prove that they can be responsible pet owners. Exotic or not, animals require a certain level of attention.




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