Companion Animals

Exotic Pet Trade Welfare and Conservation

The exotic pet trade causes welfare suffering to billions of animals annually, through capture, transport, and inadequate captive care, while also threatening wild populations of many species.

Key Facts

Wild-caught exotic animals typically have mortality rates of over 80% before reaching the final owner
CITES regulates international trade but enforcement is inconsistent and illegal trade is vast
Social media featuring exotic pets as cute companions drives demand and suffering
Many exotic species including primates, slow lorises, and certain reptiles cannot have welfare needs met in captivity
Welfare and conservation impacts of the exotic pet trade are often inseparable

Welfare Considerations

Exotic pet trade welfare concerns apply at every stage: capture, transport, holding, and inadequate captive care. The welfare case against keeping certain species as pets is overwhelming. Consumer education and demand reduction are essential alongside enforcement.

What You Can Do

Never buy exotic animals including primates, slow lorises, exotic birds, and wild-caught reptiles
Share information about exotic pet trade welfare problems with people considering exotic species
Support Born Free Foundation and World Animal Protection exotic pet trade campaigns