*Exotic refers to indigenous, But In The Case Of Pets, it refers to UNUSUAL

Consider their Natural Freedom
Freedom to express their natural behaviour. Captivity for any wild animal causes an unnatural life of misery and often just simply boredom and illness, that lead to their death. Even if you keep them safe and well cared for. Wild animal always maintain their wild instinct, even if they were reared by humans.

*Keep in mind that supporting the wild life trade by buying exotic animals threatens the very existence of some of these species. We often buy wild animals along the roadside with the good intent to save them – this is supporting the illegal trade, plus it is unlawful to keep many of these animals as pets. Rather inform your nearest SPCA or Nature Conservation of the roadside sellers.

The Law and Exotic Pets
The South African Nature Conservation and Environmental Department regulates the legal requirements. For many of the exotic pet species it is a legal requirement to obtain a permit. This changes from time to time and it is better to make sure before you acquire an exotic pet.

List of Illegal Pets SA
A list of illegal pets can be obtained from the NSPCA or the SA Nature Conservation and Environmental Department. Legal requirements are different for each province.

Some exotic pets that are illegal and require permits are:

Ferrets: highly invasive and very specific requirements have to be met

Hedgehogs: illegal in some provinces and keeping hedgehogs in caged areas is extremely unnatural and stressful for them

Marmosets/Finger monkeys: these little creatures are very adorable as babies, but become unpredictable, aggressive and quite dangerous when adults; illegal in some provinces and require permit)

• It is illegal to release an exotic animal into the wild
• It is illegal to pick up a tortoise and remove it from its natural habitat
• Many exotic pets that are cute as babies, become dangerous and aggressive as adults
• Many exotic animals carry dangerous diseases that can be transmitted to humans
• Most tortoises get killed by dogs and cars on the very property they are kept as pets