There is a large and rapidly growing American subculture characterized by individuals raising some of the world’s most dangerous animals as pets. Remarkably, there are more tigers privately held in the U.S. than found in the wild. These “pets”, which are typically kept in small cages in backyards, garages or basements of homes, oftentimes suffer from severe health defects due to their captivity.

Captive big cats are particularly vulnerable to inhumane treatment and these magnificent creatures are caught in a cycle of misery. It begins with captive breeding by dealers, who strip the infant cubs from their mothers. The all too common scenario is that the owners discard these wildcats when they become too big, too aggressive, or too expensive to keep, or as the novelty wears-off. The cycle often ends with these once-beloved pets living in pseudo-sanctuaries, such as unaccredited traveling zoo exhibits or wildlife parks, since overburdened accredited sanctuaries (Accredited sanctuaries, such as Big Cat Rescue, are IRS tax exempt and do not permit commercial trade, propagation or direct contact between the public and the wildlife) seldom have the financial means to provide lifetime care. Others are shipped off to hunting ranches to be shot for trophies, while many are killed for their remains (primarily fur, food or traditional Asian medicine). Such is the fate of many privately owned exotic cats that in some ancient cultures were revered as though they were gods.

Zanesville Massacre  18 tigers 17 lions 3 cougars gunned down

Born To Be Wild and Free by Ira Fischer can be viewed on the website of Big Cat Rescue. 

H.R. 1818 - Big Cat Public Safety Act was introduced into the 2017-2018 session of the House of Representatives. The bill would ban the private possession of big cats as pets. You can help to ensure that this law gets passed by contacting your members of Congress and asking them to champion the bill. Take action by visiting Big Cat Rescue and clicking the “BigCatAct.com” link.

The highly acclaimed documentary The Elephant in the Living Room  takes viewers on a journey inside the American subculture of raising the most dangerous animals in the world, as common household pets. The film exposes the shocking reality behind the multi-billion dollar exotic pet industry into a world rarely seen by most people.

The exotic pet trade is highly adept at keeping their true identity from public visibility and it is not uncommon for breeders or dealers to masquerade as wildlife sanctuaries. The Truth About Sanctuaries discusses the difference between legitimate sanctuaries versus pseudo-sanctuaries and provides helpful insights to avoid being duped by people and entities affiliated with the exotic pet trade. Before visiting a so-called wildlife park check to see if the entity is accredited with either the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries  or the American Sanctuary Association.

For dos and don’ts of charitable giving to wildlife organizations and other animal welfare organizations, see Ira Fischer’s Guide to Charitable Giving for Animal Welfare Organizations For resources concerning the issue of captive wildlife, as well as interesting and informative books and films that journal the fascinating intelligence and incredible beauty of animals in the wild, visit Ira Fischer’s Library of Books and Films About Animals.