Exotic animals are wild animals from another country that typically have been brought to Canada as part of the pet trade or may live in captivity in zoos and aquariums. Exotic animals may be captured from the wild or bred in captivity and face many unique animal welfare challenges.
About exotic animals
Learn more about exotic animals and why they don’t make good pets.
The wildlife trade
Learn about how exotic animals enter the wildlife pet trade and the many animal welfare concerns with this practice.
Exotic laws and restrictions
Learn about the laws that regulate keeping exotic animals as pets.
Responsible wildlife tourism
Learn how you can be a responsible wildlife tourist and minimize risks to wild animals.
Take action for exotic animals
Exotic animals brought to Canada through the pet trade — taken from the wild or bred in captivity. Learn about the laws of keeping exotic animals, their welfare concerns and how you can get involved to make a difference.
Exotic animal welfare position statements
Read our position statements on exotic animal welfare.
Exotic animal FAQs
Read our frequently asked questions to learn more about exotic animal topics.
Subscribe to WildSense newsletter
WildSense is a bi-monthly e-newsletter focusing on the unique issues and challenges of wild and exotic animals in B.C. WildSense promotes coexistence for human-wildlife conflicts and offers alternatives to exotic animal captivity with evidence-based solutions to improve the welfare of wildlife and exotic animals. Subscribe today!
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