Should Wild Animals be kept as Pets by Linnea Johnson

The Rotary Club of Pismo Beach / Five Cites
Linnea Johnson, Second Place
Grade 3, Branch Elementary
Teacher: Kathy Beacock Principal: Hillery Dixon 

Should Wild Animals be kept as Pets?

Many people think that having a wild animal as a pet is really cool because these animals are really unusual or cute, but there are many reasons why they make bad pets.

Is it the truth that wild animals make good pets?

Many animal experts say that it’s too dangerous to keep wild animals as pets. Most wild animals do not do well being cooped up in a house. They need their freedom to do their normal activities. This is very true based on the fact that they act differently when kept in captivity from when they are in the wild.

Is it fair to all concerned?

Keeping wild animals as pets might seem fair to people, but is not fair to the animals. It’s not fair to the animals because if many people take animals from the wild, then there might not be many left.

Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

Keeping a wild animal as a pet will not build goodwill and better friendships because wild animals may act like your friend but would much rather be free. People think that having a wild animal as a pet is really fun, but in some countries it’s illegal. It could also be dangerous to friends who come over to your house. Sometimes wild animals even attack or kill their owners.

Is it beneficial to all concerned?

It is not beneficial to all concerned to keep wild animals as pets because the animals don’t get to be where they naturally live, which means they don’t do what they’re supposed to naturally do. But it is beneficial to the animals if they are injured or sick and need to be kept by a wildlife rehabilitation center such as Pacific Wildlife Care in Morro Bay. For example, let’s say that an owl has a damaged wing. The center will take it in and provide medical care. But, sometimes animals can’t be released because they won’t be able to survive in the wild anymore so they have to be kept in captivity. However, these are not pets.

When I grow up I want to help wild animals. I hope you enjoyed my essay. What do you think about wild animals being kept as pets?