Exotic Pets in China [2017]
66 images Created 10 Jan 2019
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It is estimated that up to one million people own exotic pets in China.
These pets are defined as non-traditional ones, such as snakes, monkeys, crocodiles, spiders, and tropical birds that are sourced from threatened ecosystems across the world, mainly to be displayed in the homes of China’s expanding and more affluent middle classes.
As this sector of society continues to grow, the rise in pet ownership has risen sharply and many young Chinese are now turning to exotic pet ownership as a way to display their individuality and wealth.
The trade in these animals has been directly linked to species loss in some of the world’s most threatened ecosystems, as well as contributing to a rapid rise in invasive species.
Please contact us for licensing enquiries at: sean@gallagher-photo.com
It is estimated that up to one million people own exotic pets in China.
These pets are defined as non-traditional ones, such as snakes, monkeys, crocodiles, spiders, and tropical birds that are sourced from threatened ecosystems across the world, mainly to be displayed in the homes of China’s expanding and more affluent middle classes.
As this sector of society continues to grow, the rise in pet ownership has risen sharply and many young Chinese are now turning to exotic pet ownership as a way to display their individuality and wealth.
The trade in these animals has been directly linked to species loss in some of the world’s most threatened ecosystems, as well as contributing to a rapid rise in invasive species.
Please contact us for licensing enquiries at: sean@gallagher-photo.com
![Liu Zhaobei, 25, with his African Bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus). One of the largest frog species in the world, it is typically found in central Africa but has become a popular species in the pet trade due to its size. Liu began collecting animals in his childhood and now has over thirty different frogs, three alligator snapping turtles and numerous snakes and turtles. "It's obvious it [collecting exotic pets] is becoming more popular. Even at my university there are more course about breeding exotic pets."](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get2/I0000PJq1ow6rW3s/fit=180x180/fill=/g=G0000r9kfOOv.JuI/I0000PJq1ow6rW3s.jpg)
![Liu Zhaobei, 25, lies in his bedroom with an alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii ). Listed by the IUCN as 'vulnerable' in the wild, the species is typically found in the southeastern states of the United States. Liu began collecting animals in his childhood and now has over thirty different frogs, three alligator snapping turtles and numerous snakes and turtles. "It's obvious it [collecting exotic pets] is becoming more popular. Even at my university there are more course about breeding exotic pets."](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get2/I0000pAKxtjXYpNc/fit=180x180/fill=/g=G0000r9kfOOv.JuI/I0000pAKxtjXYpNc.jpg)
