Page 15 2025 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2025 Dr. George Eales, a veterinarian at Green Prairie Animal Hospital in Lincoln who does most of their exotic pet care, says rabbits tend to be the most popular non-traditional pet. While non-traditional animals can make great pets, it is important to understand the differences and needs of non-traditional, exotic pets. In “The Growing Trend of Exotic Pet Ownership,” Brittany Cotton says, “differences between a non-exotic pet and an exotic pet come down to their level of domestication.” For example, cats and dogs have long been domesticated and raised by humans, who have “bred non-exotic, or domestic animals to display certain traits and abilities since man started cohabitating with them.” We often know what to expect from domesticated animals. The traits and abilities of an exotic pet are a bit different. Cotton describes an exotic animal as being part “of a species that resisted domestication, didn’t possess abilities that made them useful, or originated from a different country.” To Cotton, though an exotic animal can be described in various ways, “the core concept is one of it being an animal that adapts to domestic life while retaining its wild or feral nature to a degree.” The needs of exotic pets are another important consideration. The “Comprehensive Guide to Caring for Exotic Pets” says, “Understanding your exotic pet’s unique needs is crucial to ensuring they enjoy a long and healthy life. The best way to learn about their care is Continued --
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzExODA=