More New Yorkers Keeping Exotic Animals as Pets?

With pet ownership on the rise throughout the country, condo developers have been adding dog runs and pet spas to their buildings to make them more animal-friendly and in turn entice potential animal-loving buyers. But it seems that some New Yorkers are increasingly drawn not just to cats and dogs, but owning exotic pets. Moreover, they are becoming quite adept at housing these exotic animals in secrecy, with the animals happily co-existing with their owners unless the creature becomes disruptive and makes its presence known.

According to a report on Real Estate Weekly, there are some clients out there making rather bizarre requests of their brokers, asking them to find accommodations suitable for themselves and their unique exotic companions. One such case involved a buyer looking for a duplex residence where he could occupy one floor and the other floor would house his pet kangaroo whom he considered his “child.” While the “Ten Million Star” broker tried her best to meet her client’s needs, she was unable to do so. Fortunately, the “couple” is not homeless; they continue to remain at their Tribeca location.

In another case, a West Side resident shared his co-op with a pack of wolves. They were contentedly living with him until when one night they saw the full moon hanging over Fifth Avenue. Their "serenading" made neighbors aware of their presence and the health department was called to intervene. The human "alpha leader" was forced to find another den to house his pack.

No matter how I try to wrap my head around what seems to be an increasing phenomenon, this writer cannot understand the reason for this growing obsession to turn exotic wild animals into pets. These are not domesticated animals; they are meant to live in the wild or in a sheltered and safe sanctuary with others of their species. And while these folks claim to love their “pets”, often referring to them as “children”, are they honestly taking into consideration these beautiful animals’ special needs?

It seems to me that animal lovers who enjoy feasting their eyes on beautiful critters such as wolves, jaguars and other exotic species are able to easily indulge their passion by just hopping into a cab, subway or bus and visiting the Bronx or Central Park Zoo.

What do you think about people owning exotic animals as pets? Tell us in a comment.