The PITFALLS of EXOTICISM

The tarantulas, scorpions, and rare birds seized by authorities in the Philippines can be classified as exotic pets. Exotic pets are those regarded as unusual or non-traditional household animal companions.

There are several reasons the illegal, exotic pet trade continues to thrive. The exoticism of animals can act as a status symbol -- a guarantee that whoever owns the animal has a relatively unique pet, and the money to acquire it. Some also choose exotic pets because of medical reasons (e.g., pet allergies), while others do so because many exotic animals require little upkeep (i.e., they don’t need to be walked). However, the cons to owning an exotic pet through the illegal pet trade far outweigh the pros.

Pasay City veterinarian Ronaldo Bernasor attaches tree branches to a steel cabinet in his office for two Philippine Scops Owls to rest on, after they were seized from a pet center in Pasay City, (Photo from ibtimes.com)