The trade in exotic animals for pets causes severe welfare harm and drives wild population declines in many species.
Exotic pets face welfare challenges at every stage from wild capture through transport to captivity. Wild-caught parrots, reptiles, and fish experience severe stress and high mortality during capture and transport. Many captive owners cannot meet the complex needs of exotic species. Reptiles require precise temperature, humidity, and UV light provision that is rarely adequate in domestic settings. Social species kept alone suffer loneliness and frustration. Release into the wild when owners can no longer cope creates ecological problems.