On October 18, 2011, a catastrophe in the unassuming Ohio town of Zanesville shocked the entire country. Before taking his own life, Terry Thompson, a local exotic animal owner, freed 56 of his pets from their cages. The beasts, which included lions, tigers, bears, and wolves, prowled the town, terrifying the locals. To ensure public safety, 49 of the animals were ultimately put to death by the authorities.
The incident raised awareness of the problem of exotic animal ownership and the absence of laws governing it. Terry Thompson has a history of mistreating animals and had already been found guilty of crimes at the federal level including the smuggling of exotic animals. He was nonetheless able to maintain a sizable collection of deadly creatures on his farm in spite of this.
A discussion regarding the trade in exotic animals and the demand for them as pets was also triggered by the Zanesville slaughter. Many people are not aware of the considerable cost and risk associated with exotic animal ownership. It’s crucial to keep in mind that having an exotic animal is not only expensive but also demands specialized care and attention. Prices vary depending on the type and area.
So, what is the price of a kangaroo? Depending on the breed and age, a kangaroo might cost anywhere from $3,000 and $8,000 in total. But not all states allow kangaroo ownership, and in some, a special authorization is needed.
The price of a monkey changes according to its species and age in a similar way. A marmoset, a little primate, can cost as much as $2,500, and a capuchin, a larger monkey, can cost as much as $10,000. However, keeping a monkey necessitates specific care and permissions in some states, just like with kangaroos.
Zebras can cost anywhere from $5,000 and $15,000, depending on their age and breed rarity. Zebras need particular care and attention, as with any exotic animals, which most humans are ill-equipped to supply.
Finally, it’s important to remember that an elephant’s value as a living entity is zero when it’s dead. The illegal trade in ivory has resulted in a catastrophic reduction in elephant populations all around the world because of its highly sought-after ivory tusks. As a result, the worldwide trade in ivory is now largely outlawed, and those found doing so risk serious legal repercussions.
The Zanesville Massacre was a horrific incident that highlighted the risks associated with exotic animal ownership and the demand for more stringent controls. Although keeping an exotic pet may seem like a pleasant and interesting experience, it’s vital to keep in mind that these creatures need specialized care and attention that most people are unable to supply. Furthermore, keeping exotic animals as pets is risky and frequently irresponsible due to the expensive cost and probable danger involved.
Depending on the nation and location, purchasing an elephant may or may not be legal. It might be acceptable to purchase an elephant as a pet or for other uses in some places, while it might be outright illegal in others. There may be rules and restrictions in place to restrict or forbid the ownership of exotic animals, such as elephants, because doing so can be dangerous for both the animal and the person.