The Kinkajou: An Exotic Animal

It seems that lately I am finding myself increasingly in awe with the ways in which Internet users who truly love animals meet each other and have digital encounters that may transform into rather amazing friendships. And to think, these friendships could start over a simple discussion of say, domesticating exotic animals or talking about Kinkajous.

For example: the other day while playing Cityville (my all-time favorite Zygna game) on Facebook, I ran into some technical problems that were driving me crazy. Distraught and frustrated, I launched their real-time live game assistance chat room in order to receive immediate help. After discussing all the problems and possible solutions of my issue with a charming, savvy representative with a delightful sense of humor, I started joking around with him, saying "Since my Gazette building is finished, now I can move into that corner office with all the windows and lush carpet. And since I am a professional writer, the larger room will give me more space to pace about while thinking about what next I will write”.

The charming young man asked me which topics were my specialties. I told him that I blog for Petside.com, so of course anything I write about concerns animals. What he said next both inspired me to write about our “encounter” and also to do some research about his favorite animal; the Honey Bear, also known as the Kinkajou. These animals can be popular exotic pets with many folks.

The Kinkajou (Potos flavus) is also referred to as the Honey Bear. They are related to coatis, raccoons, olingos, the cacomistle and the ringtail. These little mammals make their home in the rainforests of Central and South America. They are often mistaken for monkeys or ferrets but they are not at all closely related. The Honey Bear is presently not classified as an endangered species, but since they are strictly nocturnal, with peak activity between 7:00 PM and midnight and very early in the morning, they are not often seen by humans. They have a docile personality, are generally quiet and love to play (but they can become aggressive), detest being awake during the day and, if upset, can scream and attack, clawing and inflicting deep bites.

Kinkajous are hunted for the pet trade and for their fur which is used to manufacture wallets and horse saddle. They’re also hunted as a source of meat. These adorable little critters generally have a lifespan of up to 40 years living in captivity.

Even if my new “friend” has a Honey Bear, I don’t think I am in the market to purchase one. I feel strongly that exotic animals belong in their native habitats as wild, never meant for taming by humans.

What are your thoughts about domesticating exotic animals? Do share in a comment.