If you plan to have a Tokay gecko as a pet, the first challenge you will face is knowing where and how to buy it. Geckos, specifically tokays, are becoming a threatened species due to mass hunting. If you’re in Asia, buying a healthy gecko can be easy and expensive. But if you live in the US or any Western country, you may experience difficulties doing so.
So where can you buy geckos?
online marketplace
When shopping for geckos, the first thing you need to know is what type or species you intend to buy. There are over 1,200 types of gecko in the world, and while they have similarities, they all have their own unique characteristics and personalities. Tokay geckos, which are the most popular of the near-extinct types, are typically found in Asian countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In these countries, the Tokay normally reside in tropical forests. Sometimes they even live in residential houses. So if you know an Asian friend, maybe you can seek help buying your own Tokay gecko. But the transport and sale of Tokay geckos, particularly in the Philippines (where Tokay are most abundant), is a prohibited act. To buy one, both the buyer and the seller must obtain a license.
If you are based in America or Europe, the easiest way to do this is the World Wide Web. A website called tokaygeckos.org, for example, is one of the most popular online marketplaces for geckos. But before you go to this site, make sure that you have already obtained a license to buy Tokays. Otherwise they won’t entertain you. This website is a legitimate shopping mall so they only deal with reputable sellers from South East Asia and international buyers. Prices vary and depend on the size, weight and condition of the Tokay. Expect a higher offer for Tokays that the seller has handled correctly. The giant Tokay (weighing 64 kg!) found on the Indonesian island of Borneo reportedly cost $17 million. Yes, that’s how high the price can be.
Local pet stores and breeders
Sometimes it’s really hard to buy a gecko online because you don’t get a chance to see it for yourself until you’ve already paid for it. If you don’t want to buy geckos on the internet, you can try looking for local breeders in your area. Surely there are people who, like you, also love geckos. The Tokay gecko industry is flourishing and due to the huge potential profits involved, many exotic animal breeders are becoming more interested in breeding and breeding Tokay geckos. You can also visit local pet stores. They may not have the geckos you are looking for, but they can provide you with referrals to find local breeders.
You can buy a small Tokay gecko for around $20. The price can go up depending on the factors we mentioned a while back. Before you start looking, be sure to educate yourself on the best way to tame and care for this wonderful creature. They are not toys that you can just throw away once you realize they are not for you. Taking care of a pet, reptile or not, requires love, commitment and responsibility.
