Ownership of Exotics

“A Crocodillian in my Bathtub”
by Mike Tovey

We have all seen it on TV. The wild beast that ventured down to the river for a cool, life-giving drink of water, only to be dragged helplessly into the water and the victim of an assailant whose powerful jaws ripped through flesh and crushed bone with unmatched ferocity. Yes readers, a crocodile. Would anyone want such a creature as a pet? A pet that will never curl up on your lap, fetch your slippers and will always be very willing to bite the hand that feeds it. Yet many people do take these crocodillian creatures into their homes.

The most popular of the more than 23 crocodillian species is the Spectacled Caiman. Smaller in size than the crocodile referred to in the previous paragraph, adult Caimans grow to sizes ranging from 2.0 - 2.5 meters. Yes, and they come complete with all the flesh ripping equipment of larger members of the species. It is for this reason that so many approaching adulthood, and becoming impossible to handle by their owners, are dumped into rivers, streams and lakes with the belief that this is their natural habitat and survival is guaranteed. Not so. Crocodillians released into northern waters cannot survive the low temperatures. Crocodillians released into more temperate climates may survive but will become a serious nuisance. In Florida, released pet crocodilians disrupt native wildlife. On a more serious note, creatures released into areas where they are not native may seek out people’s pets as a source of food and seriously bite unsuspecting residents. Euthanasia is sometimes the only alternative for the disposable pet.

Like all exotic pets they are available to potential new owners at a very modest cost and obtainable via the internet, breeders and former owners who have to give up their pet. With certain restrictions they can be shipped by the postal service and as air cargo. Many will die during transportation. Temperature is very critical for the survival of these creatures. While the cost to purchase a crocodillian is very modest, the costs associated with housing, climate control, feeding, maintaining good health, safe handling, water heating and filtration, etc,. is very high. The author can speak from experience having been the caregiver for several months of a Caiman rescued from a City of Victoria apartment.

As with all exotic creatures, crocodilians should be left where nature placed them for their survival and protection of the environment. Keep your bathtub for your use.

Your comments on this article, or any previous articles, are most welcome. Email me at [email protected]

DISCOURAGE EXOTIC ANIMAL OWNERSHIP

Past Articles:
Victoria Adoptables
Animal for Adoption, Animal Rescues & Animal Shelters for Greater Victoria, BC & Vancouver Island, BC