PSA:
While I would never suggest that ANYONE buy an animal without considering its needs and looking into how it is available as a pet, if you buy an animal and it ends up being “too difficult” or “boring” DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES RELEASE YOUR PET INTO THE WILD! There are several things that can happen because of this, and you have to take responsibility as someone who knowingly took this animal into your home.
The animal could have no survival instincts, like a hamster. The animal could become an invasive species and kill other animals, like red lionfish or pythons. The animal might find itself caught in a trap, killed by a larger animal, or die when it starts to snow. If you don’t care about your former pet’s wellbeing, which you probably don’t if you’re considering throwing your conure out to fend for herself, think about your wallet. That’s right. In most states there are laws protecting animals from cruelty, as well as laws to prevent invasive species and the spread of disease.
Say you’re an animal lover and you honestly just made an error in judgment. You didn’t think about how big your scaley buddy Spot would get, you didn’t think Guinea pigs were that loud, and you really underestimated how much a miniature pig would eat. (Whatever size you think a pig is, you’re wrong they’re bigger. A potbelly pig, assuming you weren’t duped into buying a regular piglet, will probably get to be the size you think a normal pig gets.) Everyone makes mistakes, especially when animals are marketed as all being cute and cuddly and friendly. If you’re one of those people who insists wild animals are friendly and won’t hurt humans, go out and hug an entire pack of wolves. They’ll love to have you. I’ve read that human meat is kinda like a less sweet pork. For the rest of you, you have a few options.
Trying to take care of your animals is a great option for animals that have been domesticated. A lot of pet animals form attachments to their owners, and the bunny you bought isn’t going to understand why you’re giving it up after a couple years when its lifespan in captivity is the same as a dog. If your pet is something like a raccoon or a fox that you found as a baby and decided to raise yourself (don’t do this), contact your local wildlife service or possibly even a zoo. I don’t want to be mean, but there’s a good chance you ruined the animal for living in the wild. I’m not the expert on rehabilitation though, so maybe Todd can go scream at his fellow foxes! It’s best to ask. If you have an exotic or “specialty” pet, you can find rescues and sanctuaries, and your local zoo might just be looking for a sugar glider or an iguana!
Tldr: Don’t just abandon your pets, no matter how well you think they’ll do in the wild. You have better, safer options, and a responsibility to the animal you brought into your life.
Here’s a word of advice, offered without judgement:
If it’s not a dog or a cat, it’s not a pet.
Exotic pets require extremely specialized care. They are not domesticated. They will not form the same bond with you. Most people do not have the resources to provide these animals with adequate care, however well intentioned they might be. Many (and I mean MANY) veterinarians are not able to treat illnesses or provide preventative care to exotics, which makes it difficult as a pet owner to give the animal a good quality of life. Often times, sanctuaries and rescue organizations for exotic species become so inundated with surrendered animals that they are no longer able to accept any more and have difficulty placing the ones they already have.
I know a lot of people get these pets out of genuine care for the animal and I’m not trying to shame or judge anyone. I am just speaking as someone who has worked both in zoological, field research, and veterinary settings. However, as I’ve said before, people often confuse loving a thing with a need to possess the thing. Admire these creatures as they should be admired, from a distance. Visit and support your local zoos, aquariums, wildlife refuges. Find out what you can do to get involved! But think very, very hard before getting an exotic ‘pet.’ People will lie to you. They will tell you the animal doesn’t live very long, doesn’t get very big, doesn’t require much care.
Exotic animals that are dumped into non-native environments as a result of the owner being unable or unwilling to continue to care for it is a major problem. Invasive species are ecological disasters all over the world. They destroy native ecosystems, and can even lead to the extinction of local flora and fauna by altering the landscape, changing the balance of keystone species, and filling the niches of other native animals.
