Do wild animals make good pets?

Being a former Zookeeper I have been asked several times, mostly in a joking manor, if someone could take a lion or other exotic and wild animal home with them. Some people might think that wild animals would be a great domestic pets, but in reality they should never enter domestic life.

Before we get into why or why not wild animals should be kept as domestic pets, lets define what a wild animals actually is. 

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums define "wild animals" as an animal that have, ”…lived for thousands and thousands of years without the direct influence of humans. They have adaptations that help them survive in their own complex environments."

According to pawnation.com there are several different exotic species that people are trying to transfer over to becoming domestic. The top three that they listed were: Foxes, Wallabies, and Capybaras. (For the complete list click HERE)

So why don’t they make good pets?

AZA listed five really good reasons.

“You can’t provide the right home for them.”
Even though you might think you can, the best place for a wild animal to live is in its natural habitat. This is where they are meant to live, not your back yard. AZA states, “Wild animals have complex behavioral, social, nutritional and psychological needs.”

“Taking them from the wild can endanger the species”
Illegal animal trade is sadly a really large business on the black market. It is also one of the main causes of the decrease of these animals in the wild.

“You could get hurt.”
Wild animals, especially some of the larger ones, are extremely dangerous! They all have natural instincts that can result in them attack you, or someone who is close to you. (Remember the chimpanzee attack a few years back? Click on the LINK if you would like a reminder!)

“You can get sick.”
Numerous wild animals that people are trying to make a pet carry dangerous and sometimes even fatal diseases. Some of the disease that wild animals carry that can be picked up by humans are: rabies, herpes viruses, polio, and several others.

(For the AZAs complete list as to why Wild animals do NOT make good pets click HERE)

So what types of animals make a good pet?
Dogs and cats are the most popular, but if you want something that looks a little more exotic but still legal then you can get a ferrets, or even a rabbit. If you like larger animals, and have room to take care of them, then I would suggest a horse or llama. 

There are several legal and domestic animals that you can get without endangering you or your friends and family.

With that being said I encourage you to think seriously about getting any type of pet! Whither it be something as simple as a cat, or something as unique as a hissing cockroach, ALL pets require an amount of responsibility that you should take into consideration before acquiring your new pet!

 
If you have a question or comment please leave them in the comment box!

Have a wonderful day!
Sarah~Beth