01 November,2026 07:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
Bearded Dragons
The sight of 50 exotic birds being rescued from a cockroach-infested flat in Wadala recently is a disturbing reminder that the appeal of keeping unusual animals as pets can sometimes overshadow their basic needs. Colourful parrots and exotic reptiles may make attractive companions, but behind the fascination lies a less-discussed reality, their specialised care requirements, the conditions in which they are kept, and the ecological consequences when they are abandoned or released into the wild.
A rescued Saimang Gibbon. PICS/SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Fifty 50 exotic birds were rescued from a residence in Bhakti Park, Wadala East, by the Mumbai Range of the Thane Forest Department (Territorial), with assistance from a wildlife conservation NGO, on October 18. The birds were recovered after officials inspected the premises on suspicion that exotic bird species were being kept illegally.
The rescued birds comprised 18 Sun Conures, three Cockatiels, 28 Green-cheeked Conures and one Pineapple Green-cheeked Conure. Following the recovery, the Forest Department registered a forest offence against the person under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2022.
Brown Basilisk Lizard and Sumantran Striped Rabbit
While the case raises questions about the conditions in which the birds were kept, wildlife experts say the larger concern extends beyond individual rescues to the growing demand for exotic species as pets.
"The dark side of the exotic wildlife trade is a highly complex crisis, moving far beyond mere cruelty into a sophisticated, organised crime syndicate. By buying, selling or exchanging exotic wildlife, citizens unwittingly fund illicit networks that threaten national security and global peace," said Advocate Pawan Sharma, Honorary Wildlife Warden of Mumbai and president of wildlife conservation NGO RAWW.
Indonasian Pit Vipers and Waigeo Spotted Cuscus
Sharma, whose organisation has been assisting the Forest Department in creating awareness about the risks of keeping exotic animals as pets, said the growing demand had also encouraged unregulated breeding and sales. He also warned against capturing animals from their natural habitats and manipulating their genetics to produce unusual colour variations, commonly known as morphs.
"The demand for exotic species can fuel harmful practices, while irresponsible ownership can have consequences that extend far beyond the individual animal," Sharma said. He added that buyers needed to understand the legal requirements governing the possession and trade of exotic wildlife. The applicable provisions depend on the species, its legal status and the circumstances of its possession or trade.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act and its 2022 amendments introduced provisions concerning the regulation and reporting of certain exotic species, including those covered by CITES, the international convention governing trade in endangered species.
The consequences of keeping exotic animals do not always end with their owners. When animals grow bigger, become difficult to handle or require more care than anticipated, some are abandoned or released into the wild.
Such releases can threaten native species, particularly when non-native animals establish populations, compete for food and habitat, or introduce pathogens into local ecosystems.
Powai Lake, for instance, has been reported to host non-native species such as Red-eared Slider turtles and Alligator Gar. Their presence raises concerns about the potential impact on native turtles and fish.
"Non-native species can carry infections or diseases that may spread to native wildlife. If an introduced species establishes itself in an ecosystem, it can also compete with native animals and disrupt the food chain," Sharma said.
He cautioned that releasing an unwanted exotic pet into a forest or water body was not a responsible alternative to keeping it in captivity.
For Dr Priti Sathe, an independent veterinary practitioner and associate veterinarian with RAWW, one of the biggest problems is the gap between the appeal of exotic pets and the understanding required to care for them. "Exotic species look easy to keep, but people do not understand that keeping them in captivity involves a lot of additional care, including enrichment, physical and supplementary requirements, as well as medical intervention," she said.
Sathe explained that an animal's overall quality of life depends on several factors, including the size and suitability of its enclosure, opportunities for enrichment, specialised food, additional nutrition and supplements, and access to appropriate veterinary care. "Most pet owners are not aware of the needs and requirements of their pets and end up doing what is easy for them," she said.
The problem can become more complicated when owners are unsure about the legal requirements governing their animals. Sathe said some owners avoid taking exotic pets to veterinarians because they fear scrutiny over their possession, choosing instead to treat the animals themselves.
"Many also know that these pets are regulated by laws, so they avoid visiting a vet and treat their animals themselves, which is absolutely illegal and unethical," she said. The result can be prolonged suffering, inadequate treatment and a decline in the animal's quality of life.
Wildlife experts say the conversation around exotic pets needs to begin before a purchase is made. Prospective owners must understand the animal's lifespan, dietary needs, space requirements, behavioural needs and access to specialised veterinary care. They must also check the applicable legal requirements before acquiring any species.
Trishala Ashok, Conservation Filmmaker, told Sunday mid-day that one of the biggest misconceptions is that if an animal can be kept in a house, it can be kept as a pet. "Social media has played a huge role in normalising exotic animal ownership. We see people unboxing rare animals, dressing them up, handling reptiles for videos and treating wildlife as an accessory. What we don't see is what goes on behind the scenes, where these animals come from, what their lives look like and whether their needs are actually being met. Many of these animals have very specialised requirements when it comes to temperature, humidity, diet, space and behaviour. Even when people have good intentions, they may not understand what it takes to care for these animals for decades. And when the novelty wears off, some are abandoned, surrendered or, in the worst cases, released into the wild," said Ashok.
She added that the demand also has consequences far beyond the individual animal. "As long as there is a market for exotic wildlife, there will be people looking to supply it. That demand can fuel wildlife trafficking, put pressure on wild populations and create opportunities for invasive species to establish themselves when non-native animals are released into the environment. We need to understand that this is not just about someone's personal choice to own an unusual pet. There are animals, ecosystems and sometimes entire species paying the price for that choice," she said.
"A parrot is not a decoration. A ball python is not an accessory. A sugar glider doesn't need a sweater. These animals have evolved over thousands of years to live in particular habitats, with specific behaviours and adaptations. We cannot expect them to simply adjust to our homes because we find them fascinating and we love animals. And please, never release an exotic animal into the wild thinking you are setting it free. It may not survive, it could spread disease, and it could become an invasive species that harms native wildlife," said Ashok. Through her films and awareness campaigns, she wants people to understand that our fascination with wildlife should never come at the cost of its freedom or survival.
As per the provisions of the Export Import(EXIM) policy, import of live animals listed under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) are strictly regulated.
The import of such animals without a valid CITES Export Permit, a Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) license, NOCs from the Chief Wildlife Warden, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC), and an Animal Quarantine Certificate is prohibited.
Furthermore, the commercial trade of species listed in CITES Appendix-l and Schedule-IV of the Wild Life (Protection) ACt, 1972, is also prohibited.
