Even exotic pets are for life

 RACCOONS, iguanas, crocodiles and even sharks were probably given as presents over the recent holidays.

And many will be surreptitiously dumped in the nearest nature park once they have lost their cuteness. That is the claim from the Terra Natura animal park in Benidorm.

Each year the obsession with giving exotic animals as presents results in pets that soon outgrow their welcome. 

“This fashion, which has flourished in recent years, means that each spring the park receives an avalanche of donations,” warned experts at the park.

Veterinarians there called on parents to “be responsible” when buying a pet.  Monkeys, snakes, potbellied Vietnamese pigs, parrots, giant spiders are displacing puppies as a suitable Three Kings presents on January 6, they warned. 

Parents should take family circumstances into consideration when buying pets, and also to bear in mind the needs and limitations of the animal. 

“Acquiring any pet is a serious lifetime commitment that links us to the new arrival,” said the Terra Natura vets.  “But in exchange, it will be loyal, entertaining and make us better people.”