Many people find the idea of keeping wild animals as pets exotic and exciting. However, if you want a wild animal as a pet, you must have a thorough understanding of the animal and its behavior and needs. People who keep these animals as pets are invariably trained to handle them, but even they will tell you how unpredictable these animals can be. You may have read stories in the newspaper about zookeepers being mutilated by their wards.
Therefore, keeping wild animals as pets has become quite a sensitive and controversial issue. Some people like to highlight the pros, while others just point out the cons. However, both should be weighed equally and only then should the decision to keep a wild animal as a pet be made.
Here are some pros and cons of keeping wildlife as pets.
Sometimes conventional pets such as dogs and cats cannot be kept due to lack of space. In such circumstances, one can keep wildlife such as a hedgehog or gecko as a pet as they do not require as much space. Some wild animals have their own benefits. Like a hedgehog, it can be used to keep insects and other pests at bay in a house.
It has often been seen that buying a wild animal can be cheaper than buying a popular and pedigree pet.
Additionally, many wildlife advocates feel that some species have a better chance of surviving if adopted. The dart frog has been seen to face a problem in the wild as its natural habitat is declining. Therefore, if this animal is adopted, it will have a better chance of survival.
However, there are plenty of cons and disadvantages to keeping wild animals as pets. First of all, the welfare of the animal must be taken into account. Owning a wildlife means giving due consideration to their diet, exercise, and social interactions. Often the animal will not have any interaction with other animals of its own species and will be left to lead a solitary and solitary life. Also, the owners will not be equipped to provide proper care for the animals as they may not be well versed in these things. Many wild animals look cute and cuddly when they are small. However, as they reach adulthood or sexual maturity, their wild side takes over and the animal becomes aggressive. This is the time when many owners abandon their pets or give them away to zoos.
Wild animals are carriers of many diseases that are lethal to humans. For example, reptiles and amphibians are carriers of salmonella infection, and each year thousands of people in the US contract this disease from their pets. In addition, rats imported from Africa are known to carry monkeypox. An outbreak of this disease occurred in the US in 2003 when Gambian rats brought monkeypox into the country.
Above all, the demand for wildlife as pets is increasing. Therefore, many illegal traders are taking advantage of this demand. Most wild animals are captured and then transported in cruel and inhumane ways to reach their owners. In addition, most owners do not know how to take care of the animals and this causes them to get sick or even die.
So weigh the pros and cons of keeping wild animals as pets before you jump in to adopt one. Make sure you are properly equipped to handle the care of the animal. Do not adopt one if you have any doubts.
