By admin 
For the reason that days of Noah some folks have been significantly drawn to proudly owning unique animals. Whereas Noah was ordered to amass his assortment to save lots of animals from a flood, today folks acquire uncommon pets for various causes. Some are drawn to the animals’ appearances, others to the novelty and a spotlight they obtain for having them as pets.
Whereas some “unique” animals like bearded dragons, small boas, and a few birds can stay safely and fortunately with accountable pet homeowners, different species have better difficulties making the adjustment.
Early in my profession I discovered about an unique animal public sale in southeast Missouri. The time period, “unique animal” typically refers to wild animals that aren’t native to that space, comparatively uncommon, or uncommon to maintain. I had by no means seen an unique animal public sale earlier than and determined to go to see first-hand what it was about.
I used to be amazed by the quantity and number of animals – a whole lot of animals of various species had been there on the market to the very best bidder. Some had been innocuous, simply uncommon breeds of home cattle and different livestock. Some had been slightly extra uncommon, comparable to camels and water buffalo. The zebras had been fascinating and, though they didn’t have any on the time I used to be there, I noticed corrals for giraffes. I selected to skip the reptile barn!
It was unsettling to see animals that will stay on the African savannah housed cheek by jowl with home livestock. After I went into the unique chicken constructing with a whole lot of birds of various species, I noticed an African lion cub hidden in a canine crate beneath one of many chicken tables. I wasn’t there in an enforcement capability however was very troubled about how this cub was being marketed. It was terrified, and I suspected it was there illegally.
There’s a profitable commerce in unique animals, and most of the animals undergo in consequence. Endangered species could also be captured within the wild to be bought by means of underground channels, additional endangering that species’ means to outlive and thrive in its pure atmosphere. Many die throughout seize or transit earlier than they will even be bought. Others is probably not endangered however are bought by individuals who shouldn’t have the information nor means to supply correct care. The animals can undergo and even die in consequence.
Many instances the animals turn out to be unmanageable for the homeowners. The fortunate ones are surrendered to an accredited and well-managed sanctuary the place they are going to obtain the care they want by educated professionals. Others aren’t so lucky and are deserted to their destiny. Reggie the American Alligator was deserted by his homeowners into Machado Lake in Los Angeles round 2005. That is an city park the place kids and pets play. After a prolonged sequence of makes an attempt, Reggie was safely captured in 2007 and transferred to his present habitat on the Los Angeles Zoo. Thank goodness no folks or pets had been harmed or killed by Reggie whereas he was within the lake.
Nonetheless, different animals aren’t so fortunate and die painful deaths as a result of they don’t seem to be in a position to survive within the wild, both as a result of it’s not their pure habitat or there are predators or lack of sources to maintain them. However, many irresponsible and inconsiderate snake homeowners have launched their pythons and different constrictors within the Florida Everglades. These snakes flourish within the wealthy atmosphere, however with few predators they’ve wreaked havoc on the native ecosystem and plenty of native species have turn out to be endangered on account of their presence.
There are a few dozen species of non-native parrots dwelling wild in southern California. Flocks of a number of hundred will be seen flying collectively, filling the skies with their calls. They’re both escaped or launched pets or had been launched by unlawful chicken smugglers to keep away from being caught. The gentle local weather and abundance of fruit timber make this space interesting for them, and the parrots have thrived right here for many years. Nonetheless, one should marvel in regards to the affect on native birds and the atmosphere.
Animals of all species must be admired, treasured, and revered. Turning unique animals into pets with out being able, information, and sources to supply excellent care for them causes ache, struggling, and threats to folks and different animals. A greater method to present one’s admiration for these animals could be by means of donations to reliable animal charities that look after and defend the animals within the wild, or in accredited sanctuaries. By pondering of those animals as creatures to be protected as a substitute of non-public property we will guarantee higher care and outcomes for all of them.
Marcia Mayeda
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