What is an Exotic Pet?

It’s time that people start discussing the topic of ‘exotic pets’ without the typical misconceptions gleaned from various films, rescue ‘sanctuaries’, and the general attitude that gains momentum through misinformation and baseless fear. With yet more attention being brought upon the subject by TV shows such as Animal Planet’s Fatal Attractions and the new Discovery Channel show Wild Animal Repo (all of which contain the expected sensationalistic tactics), the public continues to remain confused why anyone would ever want to indulge in such a 'dangerous' lifestyle.

What is an exotic pet?

I can’t begin to discuss this topic without defining exactly what people consider to be ‘exotic’. Veterinarians will often say they see ‘exotic’ animals, and by that they typically mean small mammals commonly referred to as ‘pocket pets’, such as hamsters, ferrets, hedge hogs, sugar gliders, gerbils, and rabbits.

ex·ot·ic –adjective

1. of foreign origin or character; not native; introduced from abroad, but not fully naturalized or acclimatized: exotic foods; exotic plants.

2. strikingly unusual or strange in effect or appearance: an exotic hairstyle.

3. of a uniquely new or experimental nature: exotic weapons.

In the context of this article, an exotic pet pertains to animals that are both uncommonly kept and exist somewhat in their natural state in the wild. Pet parrots are undomesticated and are 100% wild animals just as is a pet wallaby or raccoon. The major difference with parrots is that they are extremely common as pets, which is a large contribution to their capture and resulting endangerment in the wild. Most pet parrots are also demanding and high maintenance to keep as pets. A common sight is that of a large parrot with significant feather loss as the birds are unfortunately prone to self destruction if they are not properly mentally stimulated and socialized. Parrots however, are common as pets, and their owners are less often seen as narcissistic, selfish and cruel except by the most intensively focused special interest groups. Parrots are by most definitions, exotic pets.

Other common pets are ‘semi-domesticated’, such as ferrets, Mustela putorius furo, domesticated hedge hogs (a hybrid of 2 species), and hamsters, Mesocricetus auratus. The term ‘domestication’ fluctuates from referring to genetically ‘tame’ animals to animals with behavior that is modified significantly by humans.

Semi-domesticated mammals retain many wild characteristics such as not returning home if they are let loose (this actually has a lot to do with the genetic blueprint of such animals no matter the level of selective breeding). However, they tend to be lower maintenance when it comes to their proper care. Reptiles, arthropods and fish have simpler mental functioning and most aren’t considered domesticated on any level, however there are ‘breeds’ of fish, selectively bred honey bees, and color ‘morphs’ of some reptiles that have resulting behavior modifications. There are obvious differences between captive-bred ball pythons and wild ones; this may be due to the conditions they were exposed to during their 'critical period', and have less to do with genetics.

Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and cats (Felis catus) are an obvious example of domestication; many of these animals willingly live with humans and adapt to the human life style with ease. However in the case of dogs, some adapt less than others. Some dog breeds need excessive exercise or forms of mental stimulation and are typically unsuitable for the conventional indoor dog lifestyle, based on what activities they were bred for. Examples of such breeds include border collies, the Karelian Bear Dog, and the Alaskan malamute. Any dog is capable of falling into the hands of the wrong owner. I tend to think the same for all animals.

One thing people tend to do is lump animals into the same category. Exotic pets range from garter snakes to Amur tigers. Some exotics that we associate as ‘wildlife’ are virtually harmless, such as fennec foxes. It comes as no surprise that human beings have difficulty seeing through another person’s eyes if they are engaging in an activity that is socially ‘weird’.

There is nothing like a good freak show, and television shows spare no resource when exploiting people who are unique pet keepers. When exotic pet ownership is discussed, even their mental health is often questioned. Of all the bizarre hobbies, practices, and behaviors of human beings, I don’t understand why the desire to interact with and raise a unique animal is such a confusing concept for people to understand or even identify with.

If the animal’s welfare is of concern, more people should be concerned about the previously mentioned exotic birds, but attention is only directed toward the uncommon situations. Some of the most extreme situations that people picture when thinking of exotic pets involve ownership of animals like exotic felines, canids, non-human primates, and bears. There are justifiable reasons for being concerned with the welfare of these potentially dangerous and demanding animals, but it becomes more confusing why people disapprove of pets that pose less of a threat than many domestic dogs.

‘Wild’ animals do typically require more advanced care, like parrots, or some domesticated dogs. But they can be, and many are, content in captivity when their needs are met.

In comparison, the ‘easy’ pets, the dogs, hamsters, even goldfish, aren’t given much thought and are more prone to fall into the hands of bad owners. There are fish kept in tanks too small (check out the common beta bowl practice), dogs left in backyards that are not provided with adequate mental stimulation (canine behavioral problems are certainly not new), and parrots that can easily live to be 100 that are purchased on a whim and are kept on typical seed diets that will ultimately shorten that lifespan to about 50 years of bad health and inadequate socialization. The populations of these animals in captivity are also prolific.

I can go on about the many problems existing with commonly kept pets. It is an ongoing silent crime while only wild pets are in the spotlight. Of course, there are also many problems facing captive wild animals. If people would view things on a species by species basis, they could perhaps take the opportunity to learn about these animals and understand what kind of care ethics should be promoted. Keeping captive wildlife in zoos and private ownership should be a reciprocal relationship and have vast educational value.

If there's one thing I hope that both sides of the spectrum can agree on, it's that ethical pet keeping should involve keeping animals in situations in which they can be properly provided for, no matter what species. I wish people could consider that exotic animals differ from one and other as much as pet owners do.