I always kept unlikely pets, there is not much difference, but many animals need you to read their special needs manual. Which many people don't do.
Unlike common belief, many species live a longer, happier, and healthier life when taken care of by human handlers. As it should be because we live in a world that's changing. Not only for the animals.
And if you think these species need no help or care, would you mind seeing some human beings in their natural habitat, no technology included?
It is not environmentalism, it is an excuse for cruelty. I don't say we should be out saving ants or something that can cut your head clean off your shoulders, but let's try to do things right, for us and everyone else.
Many of these species have a genetic capacity to save humankind from many ailments and even lethal viruses.
Many forget that and either behave like beings that inhabit this planet with us don't matter or pretend that danger in nature to that animal is non-existent. Until something on this planet turns against us, and the solution is long gone and dead.
If we were proper handlers of this place, many species would be preserved. Instead, we breed chickens, pigs, and cows and elevate their numbers because they taste good.
Or we use animals as test subjects for the things that don't matter and are ridiculous from any point of view possible.
We upped the number of "pets" - such as dogs and cats, even more than we up our own species. Don't go woke on me, I am saying what is pretty obvious. I also used to have dogs and all the other animals, including living on the farm. I know how much it costs and in modern times keeping a dog seems to be as expensive and demanding as having another member of a family. And you can't leave it there with a toy or hobby, like a child, it requires your attention.
One huge difference, a dog dies at age 14 while a child started to live. And we keep others in high number only and only IF they are appropriate for food. We are not admirable janitors or guardians, some can't even uphold themselves, and I am not talking about upholding a huge bag of cash. I am talking about personal standards.
Besides the latest reptile addition, I also take care of a companion bird that is not considered a pet at all. It is a parrot that I bought from a very sloppy ex-owner.
The parrot was in bad condition and I made a whole series about the bird's rehabilitation process. Today after 4 years of work with him, the bird is normal and enjoys the full freedom of movement and also the safety of our huge apartment. Unlike all of his previous owners who lost their fingers, he never bit me once. His favorite spot is with me in the study room next to an open window. You can guess, he never tried to escape.
Neither a parrot nor a tortoise is on an endangered species list nor on the list of rare animals. Still, a government forbids "disturbance" of this tortoise in nature and for a while tried to ban people to keep parrots.
Parrots kept like pets are not native to my country so the ones already in captivity would collect and hold in massive aviaries or zoos for display. The law didn't pass.
The same government is ignoring the destruction of tortoises' natural environment and banning people from even "disturbing" them. Meaning I guess feeding them or keeping them to elevate their numbers.
The area this tortoise was living in is an arid, hot wasteland demolished by an industrial complex, agriculture, and gated gardens.
These animals have nothing to eat, the natural habitat that they used to hide and live in is destroyed by human activity, roads, gardens, and fields with plants they don't eat.
If I can judge by the lacking physical size of this unit, the entire species will definitely go down the path of extinction sooner or later.
I don't mind what people keep or assist to exist, but the human civilization seems to up the numbers only of some animals.
Others fall victim to malpractice for no clear reason but because somebody somewhere thinks that will be a great idea. Or because the government enforces the rules that promote ignoring biodiversity - while filling the media with bullshit and lies - same as with everything else.
They say that nature has to be left alone, so it can flourish. I saw nature in front of my eyes so many times, and it didn't promote any flourishing. It is a rather dangerous and cruel place, but what can you know living in a town secluded under your civilizational bubble, padded cells made of chemical manipulation, and all your social expectations candy coated with philosophy and fluttering personal dramas.
It is not a garden of Eden outside of this, and the worst things always flourish in darkness. So, take care of your garden, because outside you are the meat.
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