Exotic Animals Research Paper

A safari in southern Botswana is home to a warm sun. It radiates onto broad elephants that soak their hides in the Khwai River. These same elephants compete with the large, speckled giraffes for high-hanging leaves while chacma baboons lumber through the native trees. Lions’ canter, lope and shake their manes as another day passes in the African safari. These animals know no fence. They are unfamiliar with the morning routine of being fed through a wire cage or giving birth while surrounded by cameras and people prodding at them. So these exotic animals, why are they being bred into wanna-be domestic creatures? The fact of the matter is that they shouldn’t be. Exotic animals, such as chimpanzees and tigers, should not be kept as pets. In order to combat the patchwork laws currently in place, we must uncover the truth behind the ownership of wild animals, the dangers of owning said animals, and why we must take a stand.

The trade and breeding of exotic pets comprises a billion dollar industry. Animals that, by definition, are pets, are domestic or tamed animals kept for companionship or pleasure and treated with care and affection. National Geographic documented many exotic animal operations present in the United States. While it is undeniable that many animal lovers, such as Leslie-Ann Rush, living in Orlando, Florida, care deeply for their lemurs and kangaroos and carnivorous beasts, or “pets” as she calls them, it is also true that the operation she runs is perpetuating the cross-breeding, inbreeding and capture of wild animals. Yes, one could clock onto Craigslist at any given time and scroll through pages of camels, zebras, gorillas and even adorable baby tigers. But on the flip side, the people who purchase these ani...

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...ls as pets. How ridiculous is it that in some states, you are required to have a license for a dog, but you are free to buy and sell tigers or baboons at leisure! It is vital that the public is aware of the dangers and suffering faced by animals not in proper homes. Eight states in total, have absolutely no restrictions on the trade, breeding and ownership of exotic animals. It is our duty to protect these animals and at least attempt to create stronger laws. Quick legal action, and advocacy, is the only way we will ensure the safety and well-being of thousands of animals.

Now, return to the image of the African safari. The galloping antelopes. Elephants who migrate thousands upon thousands of miles beneath the warm sun. Change scene. We turn now to Zanesville, Ohio. Wolves, baby black bears, endangered bengal tigers, all slaughtered and lying in the street.