Why Wildlife Shouldn't Be Commodities: The Case Against Pet Exotic Animals

In recent years, the world has seen a growing trend of exotic animals being kept as pets. From tigers to primates, reptiles to birds of prey, animals that belong in the wild are being kept in homes, apartments and even backyards across the globe. While not every exotic pet owner has malicious intent, the majority of these animals are being treated as commodities; objects to be owned, displayed and flaunted. The question that arises is: should wild animals, creatures who have evolved over millennia to thrive in their natural habitats, really be considered as pets or status symbols? The answer, with overwhelming evidence, is no.

The Commercialisation of Wildlife

The commodification of wild animals begins with the very idea that they are “pets.” Exotic animals are not toys, fashion statements, or luxury items. They are complex beings with instincts, needs and behaviours that cannot be adequately met in a domestic setting. Keeping a wild animal as a pet is not just an act of ownership, it is an act of exploitation.

For years, the pet trade has flourished through a demand driven by those seeking to possess something rare or dangerous. As we increasingly become disconnected from the natural world, we fail to understand the detrimental impact this has on the species involved. Captive breeding, illegal poaching and the transportation of these animals across borders only serve to fuel an industry that profits off of suffering.

Take, for example, the case of Kali, a lion who was kept in a small cage for years by an owner who claimed to be providing her with a “loving home.” Kali was never able to roam the vast plains she was born to roam, never able to exercise her natural instincts to hunt and was kept in an environment where her social and emotional needs went unmet. She was eventually rescued, but many animals like her never escape their cages. Unfortunately, Kali’s story is not unique. Many wild animals like tigers, bears and wolves are confined to cages or small enclosures, never to experience their natural behaviours or environments.

The Impact on Wild Animals

Wild animals are not domesticated. They are meant to roam across vast landscapes, to migrate, to hunt and to thrive in ecosystems where their presence plays an essential role. In captivity, their lives are often limited to small, sterile enclosures. Tigers, for instance, are naturally solitary creatures that require expansive territories to hunt and roam. In captivity, they may be confined to small cages or private homes where they are unable to express their natural behaviours, which leads to severe physical and psychological problems.

This leads us to the question of what happens when a wild animal is forced into captivity; when they are stripped of their freedom, their social structures and their natural environment. The answer, sadly, is a host of debilitating issues, including stress, depression, aggression and physical ailments. Cecil, the famous lion from Zimbabwe, was killed by a hunter after being lured from a national park where he roamed freely. His death was tragic, but it also underscored how the natural world and wildlife are viewed as commodities; where animals are exploited for sport, amusement or even the sale of their body parts. Animals like Cecil are often subject to such circumstances in captivity as well.

Perhaps the most heartbreaking impact on these wild animals is the toll it takes on their minds. There is a phenomenon called "zoochosis," a term used to describe the repetitive, compulsive behaviours exhibited by animals in captivity. These behaviours, such as pacing, self-harm and head-bobbing, are clear indicators of deep distress and anxiety. It’s not only the animals in traditional zoos who suffer this fate; many exotic pets experience similar mental trauma. Primates, for example, have been known to pull out their own hair when kept in small, barren environments.

The True Motive Behind Owning Exotic Animals

The truth is, most people who own exotic pets do not do so out of a genuine desire to improve the life of an animal or protect a species from extinction. For many, the appeal lies in the prestige and novelty of owning a creature that most people would never dream of having. A pet tiger or an alligator makes a bold statement about wealth, power and an ostentatious lifestyle.

A baby tiger for sale in a small Mexican Pet Store. Thank you to Wendy for the photo.

When you look at the motivations behind owning a tiger, it’s clear that many are driven by a desire for dominance or status, rather than compassion. Consider the fact that most pet owners do not possess the resources, knowledge, or space to care for an animal with such specific needs. In many cases, exotic animals are confined to cages, subjected to cruel training techniques and deprived of proper care — all in the name of vanity.

Yet, we must acknowledge that not every exotic pet owner falls into this category. Some individuals take on the responsibility of caring for exotic animals with sincere love and dedication. For these people, we commend their compassion and commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment. Unfortunately, they are the minority. The vast majority of exotic animal owners, particularly those who acquire these animals for bragging rights or novelty, do not have the expertise or resources to offer these animals the life they deserve.

Help Us Put An End To It All

At Free The Wild, we believe that wild animals are not commodities. They are sentient beings, deserving of respect, dignity and the opportunity to live freely in their natural habitats. Our mission is to end the suffering of wild animals in captivity, to stop the exploitation that commodifies them and to promote the protection of species in the wild, where they belong.

We cannot do this alone. The fight to end the suffering of wild animals requires a collective effort. We need your help to stop the demand for exotic pets. We ask you to stand with us and support Free The Wild in our mission to protect wildlife from exploitation, to educate the public on the reality of keeping exotic animals as pets and to advocate for laws that prohibit the trade and ownership of wild animals.

If you believe that wild animals should not be commodities, join us today. Help raise awareness, support our campaigns and make a difference in the lives of animals who suffer in captivity. Together, we can end the practice of keeping exotic animals as pets and ensure a future where wild creatures are free to roam, not trapped in cages.

Donate today, stand with us and make a lasting change. Together, we can free the wild.

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FTW