Exotic pets are often showcased on social media, garnering millions of followers and influencing viewers to desire such pets. This fuels a multi-billion dollar trade, despite the animals' suffering and potential danger to owners. Animal sanctuaries like Animal Tracks in California, run by Stacy Gunderson, rescue these animals from neglect or abandonment. They emphasize education and the importance of these animals living in their natural habitats rather than as pets. The sanctuary faces challenges such as space limitations and the need for more funding to support and rescue more animals. The overarching message is to discourage exotic pet ownership and promote conservation efforts.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The exotic pet trade is a worldwide problem where people can buy animals like tigers, monkeys, and bears.
2. In the US, you can legally own a primate in 30 out of 50 states with the right permit.
3. Many people who buy exotic pets don't know how to care for them, leading to animal neglect and abandonment.
4. Animal sanctuaries like Animal Tracks provide a safe haven for exotic animals that have been abandoned or abused.
5. The sanctuary has 83 different animals and 37 species from North America.
6. The sanctuary takes in animals from a variety of places, including the pet trade, injured wildlife, and surplus animals from other facilities.
7. Many exotic animals die within the first year of being kept as pets due to lack of proper care and nutrition.
8. The sanctuary is currently seeking funding to acquire a larger property to support more animals.
9. The goal of the sanctuary is to educate people about the dangers of keeping exotic animals as pets and to provide a safe haven for these animals.
10. The sanctuary is home to a wide range of animals, including primates, big cats, and birds.
11. The sanctuary's founder, Stacy Gunderson, is passionate about animal education and conservation.
12. The sanctuary offers interactive experiences with the animals, including feeding and petting.
13. The sanctuary is working to raise awareness about the sixth mass extinction, which is currently underway, and the importance of conservation.
14. The sanctuary is seeking support through donations, social media shares, and visits from the public.
15. The sanctuary's ultimate goal is to create a safe and natural environment for exotic animals to thrive.