Each year, tens of millions of animals are drawn into the exotic pet trade for various reasons, fueling a multi-billion-dollar global industry. In recent years, social media has played a significant role in this surge, with an increasing number of exotic animals entering homes and appearing in widely shared online videos. These videos, often portraying the animals as “cute” or “cuddly,” not only mask the harsh realities of their care but also glamorize exotic pet ownership. This portrayal drives the popularity of the exotic pet trade by creating demand among viewers who are inspired to acquire these animals themselves, unaware of the suffering and exploitation behind the screen.
The term “exotic” is loosely used but often refers to “any wild, non-domesticated animal” (IFAW, 2023). The American Humane Society states that “…a wild or exotic animal is one that does not belong to one of the seven domesticated species: dogs, cats, horses, pigs, cows, sheep or goats” (American Humane Society, 2021). Unfortunately, many exotic animals involved in the exotic pet trade are often depicted in unnatural and concerning situations. For example, in a recent ScienceDaily (2021) article, many of these “exotic” animals shown on social media are primates and pet tigers chained up on suburban lawns.
Online platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, as well as classified websites and forums, make purchasing an exotic animal alarmingly simple. With just a few clicks, these platforms can connect buyers with breeders, dealers, and even poachers who sell exotic animals. This ease of access lowers barriers for casual buyers, who are often unaware of the complexities of exotic animal care. Sellers often prioritize profit over ethics, emphasizing the novelty of owning an exotic pet while downplaying or ignoring the significant challenges, including dietary needs, habitat requirements, and the ethical concerns of keeping them in private hands.
The internet has expanded the exotic pet trade beyond local or regional boundaries, enabling transactions on a global scale. Buyers can now connect with sellers in different countries, leading to an international demand for wildlife. This global reach increases the strain on wild populations, as animals are often poached and trafficked to meet the demand from foreign buyers.
Despite the growing implementation of stricter laws, many of these transactions continue to occur with minimal oversight or regulation. Animals may be shipped long distances in poor conditions, leading to high mortality rates. For the animals that survive, their health and behavior are often permanently impacted by the trauma they’ve endured, leaving them unable to thrive in captivity. Additionally, international trade often skirts or violates laws designed to protect endangered species, exacerbating the threats to vulnerable animal populations.
Social media and online platforms amplify the problem by normalizing exotic pet ownership in different cultural contexts, further broadening the market. Videos featuring exotic animals in homes around the world encourage viewers to seek out these pets for themselves, spreading demand across countries and continents.
These viral videos show exotic animals as trendy “status symbols” or unique possessions, distorting the realities of ownership and fueling the exotic pet trade. These portrayals hide the suffering, exploitation, and ecological harm associated with capturing, breeding, and selling wild animals, perpetuating a cycle of demand that harms both the animals and their ecosystems.