Endangered species to zoos & collectors

to the website, posting shopping lists of species they want to own.

One collector in Nottingham announced they were “looking for a cheap baby flying squirrel”.

Another, Joe from Reading, posted a request looking for a pair of pygmy marmosets, the smallest type of monkey, now vulnerable in the wild after the pet trade and habitat destruction slashed numbers.

Days later he also posted how he wanted a “breeding pair” of pygmy three-toed sloths, listed as critically endangered on the IUCN’S red list.

The Mirror has chosen not to name the website, which requires just an email address to register, to help stop the trade in exotic wildlife.

Weak legislation on the breeding and sale of captive wild animals has sparked a black market for tigers as pets, circus performers and for photo opportunities. Dolphin World, an aquarium in Hurghada, Egypt, popular with Brit holidaymakers posted a request for sea lions (Californian or Patagonian) and seals (grey or harbour).

Kieran Harkin, of International animal charity Four Paws, said: “The commercial trade is unnecessary as it comes with welfare concerns, threatens wild populations and poses a serious risk to human health.

“Never has this been more appropriate, not only to protect health but also to protect wild animals here and in their natural habitats.”

There are nearly 5,000 dangerous wild animals kept as pets in the UK, including lions, tigers and cheetahs.

More than 230 apes live in people’s homes as well as 14 wolves, a bear and an elephant. The animals are licensed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act.

HUNT People put in creature requests