Choosing an exotic pet
The term “exotic pet” covers a fairly wide range of animals. For most people, it conjures up images of lions, pythons, or walruses (okay, maybe not walruses). In practice it usually refers to much tamer and more adaptable creatures as pets. Exotic pets provide diverse and exciting alternatives to typical domestic animals. Golden Retrievers and Goldfish for example. Just typing those words bored me to tears.
Owning an exotic pet is not without its potential downsides. They often require more attention and specialized diets. They may need to be actively socialized or risk returning to a wilder nature. This may include aggressiveness or self-destructive behavior. This article talks about some species that more and more people keep as domesticated pets.
kinkaju – These adorable critters are native to the rainforest regions of Central and South America. They are closely related to raccoons and ringtails. Of all the species considered “exotic”, Kinkajous are among the most suitable as domestic companions. They are quite social, and unlike other animals on the list, they are not prone to “wild” odors. Kinkajous are most active at night, so they are well-suited for night owls (I mean people who stay up late, not an exotic pet reference). Be careful though: Kinkajous can occasionally display aggressive streaks and sometimes even let out a whoop or squeal when upset.
bow – so almost everyone knows what a monkey is. What is less well known is that there are several species that can actually be a domesticated companion. Unless you’re a zookeeper by day, you should probably stick to the smaller varieties better suited for domestic life, namely spider monkeys and white capuchins. There’s nothing cuter than a baby monkey, but you must be willing to commit to YEARS of hard work to care for the upbringing and maintenance of these animals. One of the most difficult aspects of monkey care includes their specialized dietary needs that often require a lot of preparation time. They also become very attached to particular humans and may react negatively to the introduction of new people into the home.
sugar glider – nothing ranks higher for exotic cuteness than the little sugar glider. These little possums are native to Tasmania and parts of Australia. These animals have membranes attached to their toes that allow them to glide short distances through the air (hence the name). Like the Kinkajou, these marsupials are primarily nocturnal. They are excellent companions for people who have a lot of time to spend with their pets in the evenings. An important point to mention regarding exotic pets is that many states have very strict laws governing the ownership of many exotic species. Sugar gliders are among the most accepted “legal” species in the United States.
Please note that regardless of the type of pet you choose, it is very important to consider your own abilities, level of commitment and local animal ownership regulations. Choosing to own a pet is an important responsibility and should not be taken lightly.
