Part 7/12:
The social media age has amplified the desire for unique pets. Exotic reptiles, crocodiles, and primates are promoted through platforms like Instagram and Facebook, often under the guise of "pets" or "collections." However, the reality is grim: these animals often come from illegal sources, are poorly cared for, and are taken from their wild habitats.
For example, crocodiles—a species not native to Hong Kong—occasionally escape or are released into the environment after being kept as pets. One famous case involved a crocodile that evaded capture for six months, creating a frenzy among authorities and residents alike.