If you live in Florida and you are growing tired of that pet Bengal Tiger you have been illegally keeping as a pet, then March 21st is your day of amnesty. You can waltz on down to the Metrozoo in Miami and turn in that animal with complete amnesty. Florida is known for having its fair share of exotic pets and animals on the “black” market that are illegal in the United States. Surely this has at least contributed to the 133 non-native species that can now be found in the wilds of Florida. Some people just can not see that a wild animal will grow up, and potentially become dangerous.
This day, celebrating its fifth year, is called Nonnative Pet Amnesty Day. You can turn in exotic reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, and fish. Leave the cats and dogs at home, however. Domestic animals are not included on this day of animal amnesty. In a state where you are just as likely to come across an African python as you are a snake that is native to Florida, this day is a very good thing. Many people get a pet when it is a baby, and do not consider the future problems they might run into.
Alligators, Crocodiles, Venomous Snakes, Tigers, Lions, Bears, and virtually every other type of animals are possibly likely to show up at the zoo for this day of amnesty. Stories are on television and in our newpapers every single day about an exotic pet owner being attacked by their pet. This is a problem that is not likely to go away in the Sunshine State overnight. The day of amnesty is a good thing and a step in the right direction, however.
Aside from the dangers that releasing an exotic animal into the wild can bring to humans, the real danger is to the ecosystem and other animals within it. An ecosystem can be completely destroyed by the simple introduction of one animal that does not belong there. That is how fragile an ecosystem can be. Not only this, but it can create interbreeds that will not sustain themselves. This will affect every single species that lives in this ecosystem.
If you have an exotic pet that is illegal, take advantage of this opportunity to do the right thing. Turn it in to the zoo, and let the animal go back where it belongs and can be cared for. Exotic animals have no place in personal collections unless you are legally allowed to do so, and trained extensively.
I think this is a wonderful idea. People don’t realize that even if the exotic animal is adorable when it’s small the animal will grow larger and need plenty of attention. You shouldn’t own an exotic animal if you can’t take %100 care of it. Certain people however; should be able to own them, but with certain requirments. Take a woman who lives in the country-ish side of Florida with a big plot of land and she stays at home almost all the time. I wouldn’t see anything wrong with her taking care of exotic animals (perhaps old) if she has the right requirments and experiece/Knowledge.
Comment by Megan Hickman — May 28, 2009 @ 1:49 pm