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Debate at a glance:


A captive cougar. (Heaven's Corner, OH)		Snow monkey's canine teeth have been removed.

Conducted in a classroom
7 th grade children in the USA
13 students (between 12 - 14 years)
participated

Note: This page includes perspectives from various children around the world on the issue of exotic animal trade. What they said has been included here in their own words.
No portion of their writing has been edited.

All images used with permission. Photo © API / R&D

Exotic animal trade

At this Primate Picnic, owners gathered to eat, talk, and socialize, while proudly displaying their monkeys in human baby clothes. This one had pierced ears and was dressed like a ballerina. Other primates displayed signs of stereotypical behavior, rocking and circling inside traveling cages. (Pet monkey at Primate Picnic, IL)

This chimpanzee had no teeth. It is common for owners to have their exotic animals de-clawed, de-fanged, or both in an attempt to limit the potential danger the animals pose to humans. (Stump Hill Farm, OH)

This debate started off with the following question:

How do you feel about exotic animal trade?

Exotic animal trade is a bad idea.

Joe (USA, Age 13)

It is wrong and cruel to take them out of their natural environment.

Sam (USA, Age 12)

I don't really know much about it, but I don't like the idea of animal trade. Trade other products to make a profit.

Kyle (USA, Age 12)

I really think the animals should be left in their homes. That's where they belong!

Kerri (USA, Age 13)

I do not like it one bit. You are taking animals out of their habitat. You also put animals in different habitats.

Erin (USA, Age 12)

I haven't enough information about this to make any judgment. In other words - what is it? Where does it happen?

Alex (USA, Age 13)

Treat the transported animals better.

Spencer (USA, Age 13)

I do not believe in that because animals deserve to be kept in their natural habitat.

Sarah (USA, Age 13)

I don't like it because you're taking wild animals out of their homes just for money. Most people who buy baby tigers and monkeys don't realize how big they get, so they try to give the animals away, and I bet in the end the animals' lives are ruined. It's terrible.

Jessica (USA, Age 13)

People should leave animals in their habitats. Most will stay healthier this way, and live longer.

Lauren (USA, Age 13)

Animals shouldn't be "exotic." They should be kept where they were from.

Drew (USA, Age 13)

I don't know about it so I don't have any feelings about it.

Ryan (USA, Age 13)

I don't think that it's good because that rare animal could become extinct.

Branden (USA, Age 13)