Part 10/12:
Addressing the illicit trade requires not only enforcement but also demand reduction. Many buyers are unaware of the animal welfare issues, the legal implications, or the ecological impact of their choices. Education campaigns stress that animals like snakes, tortoises, and primates do not make suitable pets—they are wild animals with complex needs, and keeping them often results in suffering.
Social media’s role in fostering envy and fascination fosters a cycle of demand. Some online communities openly flaunt their exotic pets, blurring the line between legal and illegal ownership. Despite efforts to remove such listings, illegal trade persists, fueled by online platforms’ lagging regulations and enforcement.