Monday, May 28, 2012

Number Of Exotic Animals For Sale As Pets Increases

By Eunice Pugh


Exotic animal for sale as pets such as chameleons, tigers, and skunks have dramatically increased in recent years. They are usually rare and unusually thought of as pets. But many people have placed them in their households.

In fact, according to statistics, between 5,000 to 7,000 tigers are kept at humans' homes which is higher compared to those that live in the wild. It has also been estimated that about 15,000 nonhuman primates are owned by private individuals in the United States. Most of these primates like baboons and chimpanzees are considered to be endangered.

Because there are no strong restrictions coming from the government, buying and selling of them have increased. Adding to that fact is the increasing interest people have in purchasing these rare species. But then again, possession of these unusual pets is discouraged and even prohibited in some areas.

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.

It is a fact that the wild is where they naturally live. Some concerned citizens debate that if you take something out of its natural habitat, you are interfering with nature. This particular pet owners are aware of this which is why they are trying to make the animals' place in their homes as close as what it is really like in the real world.

Certain health risks to people have become the concerns of scientists. Research suggests that some carry disease-causing microorganisms that maybe transmitted to humans. Monkeys are known to be carriers of Ebola virus. But with proper care and keeping the animals' health in check, this concern may be avoided.

Some enthusiasts also prefer having them because of smaller space requirements and require little attention compared to cats and dogs. In addition to that, a number of exotics are not harmful to persons with allergies. They are also beneficial to those who do not want a long term commitment to animals.

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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