Earth Tree Images

Image 1 of 1
Less

IMG_3201.tif

Add to Lightbox Download

Today, exotic pets are even bigger business and are a main driver of the trade of live animals. There are over 500 species of reptiles and 500 species of birds traded live across the world, presumably destined for people’s homes or private zoos. TRAFFIC, the leading wildlife trade organisation, now recognises social media as the “new epicentre” for the trade in exotic pets.

Even more staggering is the level of suffering wild animals kept as pets endure. Capturing them from the wild, handling them, transporting them, breeding them and life in captivity all cause intense physical and psychological pain.

Exotic pets often behave abnormally, which is a clear indication of their suffering. African grey parrots for example are known to pluck out their own feathers due to stress caused by boredom in captivity and a lack of opportunity to socialise with other parrots.

On top of the illnesses, pain and distress exotic pets experience, their trade can also threaten entire species. Many of the most popular wild pets traded are classified as vulnerable to or threatened with extinction. Our desire to share our homes and lives with these animals could ultimately see their extinction become a terrible reality.

While the keeping of animals as pets is centuries old, global trade of wildlife is causing millions of animals around the world to suffer each year. Photo: Paul Hilton / Earth Tree Images

Copyright
Paul Hilton / Earth Tree Images
Image Size
5616x3744 / 60.2MB
Keywords
Contained in galleries
Exotic Pet Trade
Today, exotic pets are even bigger business and are a main driver of the trade of live animals. There are over 500 species of reptiles and 500 species of birds traded live across the world, presumably destined for people’s homes or private zoos. TRAFFIC, the leading wildlife trade organisation, now recognises social media as the “new epicentre” for the trade in exotic pets.<br /> <br /> Even more staggering is the level of suffering wild animals kept as pets endure. Capturing them from the wild, handling them, transporting them, breeding them and life in captivity all cause intense physical and psychological pain.<br /> <br /> Exotic pets often behave abnormally, which is a clear indication of their suffering. African grey parrots for example are known to pluck out their own feathers due to stress caused by boredom in captivity and a lack of opportunity to socialise with other parrots.<br /> <br /> On top of the illnesses, pain and distress exotic pets experience, their trade can also threaten entire species. Many of the most popular wild pets traded are classified as vulnerable to or threatened with extinction. Our desire to share our homes and lives with these animals could ultimately see their extinction become a terrible reality.<br /> <br /> While the keeping of animals as pets is centuries old, global trade of wildlife is causing millions of animals around the world to suffer each year. Photo: Paul Hilton / Earth Tree Images