The rapper Rick Ross has reportedly applied for a “zoo license” and “ordered two elephants” to continue to add exotic animals to his estate in Fayetteville, Georgia.
In Georgia, elephants are considered wild and inherently dangerous animals that require licensure and insurance to exhibit. They cannot be owned as pets. Even though elephants are endangered, they can still be exhibited at zoos or housed in sanctuaries in the United States.
Rick Ross certainly is not the first celebrity to own wild animals. A quick google search reveals countless blog posts highlighting celebrities with exotic animals: notably Mike Tyson’s tigers, Paris Hilton’s kinkajou, Justin Bieber’s capuchin monkey (which had to be turned over to the German authorities), and Nicolas Cage’s two-headed snake (which also had to be relinquished due to his inability to properly care for it/them).
In modern times, TikTok influencers have joined the exotic pet game. Foxes, kinkajous, exotic cats, raccoons, and countless other species are made celebrities in their own right.
The problem is that exotic animals, by definition, are not bred to live in domestication like dogs and cats. What makes them exotic, and therefore appealing, is their untameability, unique behaviors, and unique needs, both dietary and otherwise. They’re also not as commonly studied and therefore not as predictable as domesticated animals, so disease and injury are more of a risk with such ownership.
Why are the rich and influential obsessed with exotic pet ownership?
The answer, according to Lisa Wathne of the Humane Society of the United States, “it’s ego, plain and simple…. they’re thinking about themselves far more than they’re thinking about the animals.”
This makes sense. Ego wants to set us apart from others, make us feel superior or unique in some way. When it comes to pet ownership, an exotic pet may be more appealing to someone with more means and influence than a regular dog or cat. People with means and influence may also be less concerned with the consequences of impulsive decisions–like their pet hurting someone, or eventually having to rehome their animal due to needs they can’t meet. Or, worst of all, they can go about their lives unconcerned that something living under their roof is not getting its needs met, and therefore suffering.
The rest of us have egos to feed, too. Normal people want to feel like celebrities, set apart and superior. These days, exotic pets are more accessible than ever due to the ease of connecting with a dealer online.
Maybe it’s not all ego. Some of us really love animals. Why wouldn’t we want a cute, fluffy fox living under our roof? Why wouldn’t we, if we had millions of dollars, want two elephants in our 235-acre backyard? Because that’s not what it looks like to love animals. That’s what it looks like to love owning animals. That’s what it looks like to put your recreational desires above the basic needs of another living creature. It has nothing to do with animals, it’s about our desire to own them.
What about flaunting a rescued exotic pet?
Exotic animals that aren’t getting the care they need cannot always be returned to the wild. Some maybe physically unable to survive in the wild after living in domestication. So if they’re in a home that can properly care for them, what’s the big deal?
It’s just like wearing fake leather: it still, though perhaps unintentionally, increases demand for the real thing. Exotic animals rescues and sanctuaries, if they have an online presence, should be vocal in their efforts to discourage people from owning exotic pets. Instead of only showing the cute photos and videos that rack up views, they should actually educate the public on the ideal habitat for an exotic animal: the wild.
Maybe instead of wanting to own an exotic pet, we can change our view of animals such that we will be more concerned about protecting their natural habitats than bringing them into our homes.
If it’s wrong to own an exotic pet, why isn’t it illegal?
According to Born Free Foundation, the laws that protect wild animals only apply to importation or the process of obtaining the animal, and don’t control private ownership. There are also problems with enforcement and the fact that it’s difficult to track where the animals come from.
How can you help?
For starters, don’t own an exotic pet. Stick with adopting domesticated animals–there are countless dogs and cats ready to be adopted from shelters.
From Born Free USA, here are additional actions you can take to fight against the exotic pet trade:
- If you observe an exotic animal being abused, living in deplorable conditions, etc., report it to the appropriate animal control agency.
- Educate others. Write a Letter to the Editor. Share this fact sheet with friends and family.
- Support legislation at all levels to prohibit private possession of exotic animals.
- Find out how your state, city and county regulates private possession of exotic animals. If your state, city, or county does not prohibit private possession, contact your state senator and representative or your city and county council members and urge them to introduce legislation banning possession of exotic animals.
And tell Mr. Ross to leave the elephants in the wild.
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You can also make a tax-deductible donation to Born Free USA.
Elephant Advocate 