Cross Breeds

Why do people insist on keeping dangerous wild animals as pets?

I keep seeing people on animal planet with wild animals that would kill you. They say they know the risks, they know what their doing. They don't. If they did they would admire these animals at a distance not keep them as a pet.

Public Comments

1. I think the idea of controling an animal that in nature would kill you gives the a sense of power.
2. There are a handful of reasons... 1: Enjoy having something different than a domestic animal. 2: Feel important/powerful by keeping something like that. 3: Many argue they have a bond with the animal that prevents them from being wild (which we know is not true) 4: Many do not feel a connection with humans so they look to bond with animals and sometimes domestic is not enough. 5: They feel powerful by trying to control such an animal. 6: Some think they are trying to help breed endangered species but that is 100% not the case as there is no paperwork for those animals or genetic history thus they cannot be worked into SSP (species survival plan) programs. They provide no genetic value. The list goes on and on as the reasons can be different for each person, but those tend to be the most common thoughts. Personally I do not think that 99% of the people owning exotics should have them... however I am not so stupid to think that there are not responsible onwers out there who know what they are doing and can provide a wonderful life. Usually those are the types of people who do rescues on their property though.
3. Well, If the animal was in a situation where it had been orphaned by it's parents by hunting and/or pure ignorance, then a person might think that looking after that animal by themselves (before releasing them into the wild when it's ready, probably) would seem to be the best thing to do for that animal. But if it was just to keep as a pet then I would to agree with you. I certainly wouldn't want something a African Lion or Grizzly bear wandering around the house.
4. Frequently, it's compensation for poor physical endowment.
5. they may say they are aware of the risks, but they really are not. They think that it will never happen to them because they are careful and that it will only happen to somebody else. As to the appeal of some wild animals, such as tigers, venomous snakes and pitbulls, they may appeal to some people because they are dangerous and powerful animals.