A growing trend in keeping exotic animals as pets, amplified by social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, is leading to widespread animal welfare issues and posing risks to public safety, according to animal rescue experts and welfare organizations. Many owners acquire these animals without understanding their complex needs, resulting in neglect, abandonment, and potential danger.
The case of Oyster, a marmoset found abandoned on a London bus, highlights the issue. Oyster was eventually placed in a sanctuary, but many other exotic pets face more dire fates, including being dumped in the countryside, thrown from cars, or even flushed down toilets due to their small size.
"People don’t know how to keep them. They like the idea of having a pet monkey, they’ve seen them on TikTok or Instagram, but they don’t really have a clue," said Lindsay McKenna, founder of Wildside Exotic Rescue. New legislation implemented in April requires primate owners to obtain a license, but low uptake rates suggest many owners are unprepared for the requirements.
Experts warn that this trend extends beyond primates, with animals such as venomous snakes, large lizards, and even big cats being kept in domestic settings. Research by the Born Free Foundation indicates that over 2,200 dangerous wild animals are legally kept in Britain under the existing Dangerous Wild Animals Act (DWAA), which has been in place for 50 years. Campaigners are pushing for updated laws to outlaw the private ownership of such animals.
Rescuers like McKenna and Paula Stewart, who runs The Animal Talent Agency, report an increase in animals surrendered by owners who are unable to cope. These animals often suffer from physical and psychological distress due to inadequate nutrition, lack of appropriate environments, and improper socialization. McKenna described a marmoset that had been fed only marshmallows and dried bananas, leading to severe bone issues.
Social media influencers are frequently cited as a driving force behind the exotic pet craze, with videos showcasing these animals garnering significant attention. However, this often sensationalizes ownership without conveying the responsibilities involved. "It's showing off. It gives them more followers on social media," McKenna noted.
The lifespan of exotic pets also presents a significant challenge, with many species living for decades, far longer than the duration of a fleeting social media trend. Snakes can live up to 30 years, lizards 15-20, and tortoises or parrots up to 80 years.
Escapes of exotic pets are another concern. Recent incidents include a ball python found in a neighbor's garden and a Savannah cat, a hybrid of a wild serval and a domestic cat, spotted roaming in the countryside. These escapes pose risks to native wildlife and public safety, particularly as some exotic pets, even when bred in captivity, retain wild instincts and can be aggressive.
"The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 was intended to make the keeping of wild animals categorised as 'dangerous' a wholly exceptional circumstance," stated Chris Lewis, Born Free's Captivity Research and Policy Manager. "Yet 50 years on, we find ourselves in a situation where nearly ten times more venomous snakes are kept in British homes than British zoos."
Animal welfare advocates emphasize that wild animals, regardless of whether they are bred in captivity, retain their innate wild behaviors and are not suited to domestic life. The combination of social media's influence, inadequate owner knowledge, and outdated legislation creates a dangerous environment for both the animals and the public.