Keeping animals...

[fliptheswitch]

I was just having a conversation with my Mum, and it got me wondering.

She asked what I'd like for Christmas. I said an animal... though definitely not a dog or a cat.

You know how you hear about people keeping "exotic" animals, I was just wondering how they get them in the first place?

I'm thinking monkey... (though I do have three other choices)

[snags]

Yes.. a monkey would be a brilliant spur of the moment pet...

[fliptheswitch]

Do you know how people get them?

Also, how come you can have them as pets in the US, but not here?

[bednobs]

because we have different laws

[tiggerblue10]

I want a meerkat.....

[fliptheswitch]

Tiggs, meerkat is number two on the choice list.

[snags]

Not a caged bird then?

[fliptheswitch]

I've got one of those. I did have two, but unfortunately Ronnie fell off his perch and died last week... :-(

[utepoot]

Wild animals should not be kept as pets!

[tiggerblue10]

Great minds!

I also want a Pika or a pygmy marmoset.

[ummmm]

Don't do it...it's cruel.

[snags]

''I did have two''

I know... you posted about wanting them before, under your previous user name...

[fliptheswitch]

I've just done a bit of Googling, and I think you can actually keep Meerkats. Although, apparently you should have them in pairs. I'm not sure I want two.

Snags, no. I posted about getting them, not so long ago. Let it go, dear....

[Mamyalynne]

Please don't.

[tiggerblue10]

You could get a season ticket to some zoos / wildlife parks and just go and see some of these animals. I like them too but its illegal and cruel as Ummmm says.

[tiggerblue10]

I did actually think you were joking Flip!

[fliptheswitch]

Right. Lets forget the Meerkat thing then. You're right, it would be a bit cruel.

What about penguins? Can you keep those?

[NOX]

Keeping primates is really specialised the primates are rarely happy in captivity. Don't get overwhelmed by the cute factor and forget that you will be keeping something in isolation from it's own kind, and subjecting it to varying degrees of emotional and psycholgical stress however much you love it. My little girl would love a Slow Loris, but she'd never keep one she says because of how unfair it is on the thing itself. I think that's wise.

[NOX]

You're winding us up now flip:(

[RATTER15]

Flip, have you thought about a Walrus? very cuddly apparently