Don't buy exotic pets

Although some animals such as dogs, cats and a few reptiles are able to be domesticated, most exotic animals cannot adapt to an environment other than their own and so cannot be domesticated.

As an example, the orangutan, a species of ape found in Indonesia and Kalimantan has decreased in numbers due to illegal trade as well as deforestation. Because the demand for baby orangutans are high, the poachers have to kill the mother before obtaining the baby orangutan. And in most cases the baby orangutan doesn't survive because either the trip from the forest to the illegal market is too dangerous or of bad living conditions in their new environment. Only one out of three baby orangutans will survive. (www.kbri-canberra.com.au) Once mature, they can become very strong and wild, posing a threat to those who own an orangutan.

References:

1. "Fauna - Orangutan." Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia. 2005. 10 May 2006 <http://www.kbri-canberra.org.au/Artikel/orangutan.htm>.

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