Resolutions for Responsible Exotic Pet Ownership

Being drawn to the majestic beauty of wild animals is natural, but extreme caution is necessary. Many wild animals do not make good pets since they can be unpredictable and difficult to handle. The resources and commitment to care for a wild animal are difficult to the average owner to manage. The line between wild and domestic is hard to define, especially when it comes to reptiles and amphibians. However, sticking to captive bred and easy-to-manage animals is the best choice for the majority of people. In addition, exotic pet shoppers should acquaint themselves with the conservation issues of the trade in wild animals. Estimates vary, but it is safe bet that out of all the animal captured in the wild for the pet trade, some (many?) animals die before ever making it to a private home. And a recent study showed that sometimes, when a species is newly listed as threatened, the demand for that species by collectors shoots up, further decimating wild populations. Please guard against the desire to keep an animal simply because it is unusual or rare or wild.