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Forever Wild
November 20, 2008 | Special Report
The cost to feed an exotic animal is only part of the owner’s liability. Like we said before, you don’t need a license to own one, but there are many more laws that can get you in the long run. Their natural beauty, grace, and mystery are reasons why people are drawn to exotic animals, and there are those that get so intrigued by these creatures that they want one as a pet.
In Florida, several residents started releasing their pet boas into the wild, and now they are competing with alligators.
“With the boas, they are preying on populations that are generally not doing well, because of habitat loss already.”
Closer to south Texas, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas Mexico it has been confirmed that there is a black market for exotic animals. Usually members of the elite class purchase them, because they are priced in the thousand-dollar range. In the U.S. it is perfectly legal to own exotic pets like tigers, lions, water dragons, and venomous snakes, but you cannot exhibit or sell them.
Barbara Hoffmann, who ran a traveling circus act for twenty years, is trying to convince Hidalgo County to allow her to show off her animals as part of an educational show for kids.
“It’s only a restriction if the county or state decides to put a restriction on it or prohibit it. I don’t blame them for not wanting them as pets. They are not pet quality animals. They never have been and shouldn’t be.”
Hoffmann left Cameron County a few weeks ago since she could not find a property big enough for her pets.
“Recently, the city of San Benito told her that we are trying to develop that land and we were told that she has to relocate and she did, and as far as having problems with her none at all.”
Aside from finding the right place to house large exotic animals, the cost to feed them can be hectic.
“Big cats, they can consume from a thousand to two thousand dollars worth of meat every week.”
That’s why some owners set them free creating room for an unwanted encounter with one of these beasts
“Certainly not to disturb it, especially if it’s in the vein of a large cat or an alligator that is in an area that they may not want it to be in, because there are trained people that can go out and handle the situation.”
Ultimately, is it possible to domesticate an exotic animal?
“These are wild animals and will forever be wild animals. Once you release them into the wild their instinct will kick back in, and they will fend for themselves.”
Biologist Jaime Peña agrees that the natural beauty of an exotic animal draws the attention of almost anyone, but unless you’re a professional it is highly suggested that you don’t keep one in your home.
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