Do you think exotic animals should be kept as pets in cities?

Question

On my street, there is a man who keeps a spider monkey as a pet. The moneky spends much of his time on a tree in his yard, and since the weather is usually miserable and cold, I can't imagine how the poor thing must feel. I know many animal lovers keep even larger and more dangerous animals as pets, like snakes, wild cats, hybrid breeds in the name of love or looking cool. There are also many animals that are NOt dangerous but are put in danger by having them in too small cages or giving them unsuitable food or in any other countless ways of little cruelties. What is your opinion? Should these animals be allowed as pets in cities?

Jason, I'm actually against keeping animals as pets. I cannot stand the thought of fish in their aquariums forever circling or the manic budgies that people think act so cute! Animals belong in a natural environment, ALL animals.

Sprigot, when I first saw the monkey, I tried to find what it is based on how it looks, and it looks like the spider monkey pics I saw. But other than that, I have no idea what it may be.

Answer 1

Hi there...unfortunately, many people think it's alright to take exotics as pets without properly educating themselves far in advance on the animal's nature. We rescue so many of these exotic pets (mostly exotic cats) because people discover they cannot provide adequate housing, mental stimulation, appropriate dietary requirements, socialization if they are social animal like primates, acquired illegally, discover they can't legally keep the animal in their community because it's illegal and so much more. So much goes into the care of a captive animal and exotics are not for the inexperienced. Domestic pets are different as they've been bred for many generations that they do not survive without the means for man to provide. People believe if the take a wild animal while they're very young they can remove the wildness in them, but that's never true. It only makes the animal dependent on humans for survival, nothing more. They are wild through and through, but haven't "learned" to hunt because humans removed that opportunity. That's why exotics born in captivity are not suitable to be released into the wild since they have learned what their parents learned...people feed us.

Depending on where you reside many exotics are not allowed within city limits worldwide. Consider chequing your wildlife and animal control regulators regarding this as your neighbour could be breaking laws if it is illegal.

Answer 2

Jason actually has an excellent point. I think you do have to curtail what people keep though, how many can really take proper care of a cheetah or a wolf and some morons give it a try though it doesn't happen as often any more. The smaller animals are more acceptable since they don't need as much room to be made comfortable.
The monkey may be fine out in the weather some can climatize quite nicely, I'm not going to pretend I know anything about spider monkeys though. Are you sure that is what it is? 'Cause if I don't miss my guess they are an endangered species and he wouldn't be able to keep one without a load of permits.

Answer 3

absolutely not! i don't know if you've heard of this, but there are tiger and other ild animal attacks happening in villages all across the world. sometimes it's because some smart a** decided they wanted one, then that they couldn't care for it and let it go free (idiots) or because people are expanding into the animals' habitats. usually it is the second one. but the animals, because their habitat is being destroyed along with their food will attack peopel, becasue they ahve nothing left, and who gets blamed? the animal!!! wild aniamls are exactly that!! wild!! they do not belong in people homes, because people cannot care for them, that is the earth's job! if that poor monkey is in such poor conditions, you should call the humane society and have him taken away from the man. it will be better for the monkey's sake if you act, rather than sit back and wonder, no offense.

Answer 4

There is nothing wrong with having exotic animals so long as they are looked after properly, regardless of where you live. I find it funny that everyone gets on their high horses about exotics - "snakes, lizards, etc should be in the wild!" Well where do you think hamsters, rabbits, budgies and goldfish came from - the supermarket? Why is it okay to keep those animals and not exotcis? How many of you are going to condone goldfish in the city?

Answer 5

Depending on where you live it may not be illegal to own exotics.. Zoo's are AZA accredited facilities and they keep the animals to educate the public and to teach them about conservation. You shouldn't believe everything you read although I do agree with the fact that you shouldn't get an animal unless you have proper space, but you cannot really have a entire city soo..

Answer 6

I would have to say no - its not the right environment for an exotic animal in the city. You see how sad that spider monkey is, its because he is not in his element. Think of it this way would anyone like to be adopted by a gorilla and kept in his habitat? I think not.... I think they should ban exotic animal import and export.

Answer 7

many cities have laws against just such animals and they also can carry diseases. they dont belong in captivity and usually dont get a proper diet in that situation. your local humane society should be able to let you know if there are laws against wild animals as pets in your city.

Answer 8

wild animals should be just that, Wild! I don't belive that anyone should rip a wild animal from it's family and home.
I would love to have a "pet" skunk, but I wouldn't know how to raise it as a skunk. you know?!

Answer 9

No, wild animals are wild and should be left in the wild.