Outrage Over the Exotic Pet Trade: The Exploitation of Kangaroos Must End
The Horrific Reality of the Exotic Pet Trade
The exotic pet trade is a relentless industry that exploits wildlife for profit, human entertainment, and ego. Among the many victims of this cruelty are kangaroos—Australia’s iconic wildlife—who are being torn from their natural habitats, reduced to commodities, and subjected to lives of confinement, mistreatment, and misery. The scale of this exploitation is staggering, and the examples are endless. A simple Google search for "exotic pets in the USA" will unveil an overwhelming list of species being bred, sold, or hunted, highlighting just how normalised this exploitation has become.
At facilities like Dragonstone Ranch in Texas, kangaroos are marketed as "tame, bottle-raised" pets, with prices ranging from $2,500 to over $5,000 per joey. They’re packaged for convenience, complete with care kits of bottles, teats, and kangaroo pellets, as if these wild creatures were merely collectibles for the affluent. The ranch even promotes the sale of "starter mobs" for those seeking to own groups of kangaroos, stripping away any acknowledgment of their complex needs as wild animals. This is not conservation—it’s commodification.
In hunting ranges like Ox Ranch and Texas Hunt Lodge, kangaroos are treated as trophies for hunters, offering pay-to-kill experiences for those willing to shell out thousands of dollars. These facilities advertise kangaroo hunts with no seasonal restrictions, marketing them as exotic animals that can be shot on sight. Kangaroos, who belong in the open landscapes of Australia, are reduced to targets in faraway lands. It’s a tragic betrayal of their existence, completely disregarding their dignity, ecological roles, and welfare.
The exotic pet trade’s cruelty is further exemplified by the shocking sight of two kangaroos being sold at the Cleburne Horse Auction. These iconic Australian animals were confined to a horse stall, with labels affixed to their bottoms as if they were mere commodities. The image of these kangaroos, stripped of their dignity and natural freedom, highlights the dehumanising nature of this trade. Instead of hopping through the open landscapes of Australia, they were reduced to objects for sale, surrounded by unfamiliar and stressful conditions. This blatant disregard for their welfare underscores the urgent need to end the exotic pet trade and protect kangaroos from such exploitation.
It doesn’t stop there. Videos on social media perpetuate the harmful commodification of kangaroos. In one video shared by Plant-Based Gabriel, a joey is seen trapped in a bathtub, surrounded by three children. The joey’s terrified eyes speak volumes, revealing the stress of being handled in such an unnatural environment. Later, the same joey is shown running around with nappies, with bare patches on its hips—clear signs of neglect and improper care. This is not love or affection; it’s exploitation packaged for likes and views.
Even well-intentioned individuals can unintentionally normalise harmful practices. Sir Richard Branson’s video showcasing a joey being bottle-fed while lying on the ground, its head unsupported, at his Virgin Islands sanctuary raised questions about why kangaroos—wild animals native to Australia—are being kept and showcased thousands of miles away from their natural habitats. While the intention might have been to display care, the effect further reinforces the notion that kangaroos are suitable for captivity, when the reality is far from it. Where is this babies mother??
Their claim: We’ve welcomed two kangaroos to the thriving animal community on Necker Island. They were in need of a new home, the environment in the BVI is perfect for them & we got all the necessary permits and medical checks carried out.
My Claim: Now you need to learn how to take care of them properly.
The exploitation extends to facilities like Mandalay Farms in Florida, where kangaroos are kept as “ambassador animals.” The farm openly markets its three female red kangaroos—Bindi, Kali, and Sydney—as curiosities for visitors. At Tri Lakes Exotics they describe how the joeys like to "watch TV" or "hang on couches," as if such behaviors are appropriate to expect of wild animals. Kangaroos are not meant to live indoors, wear diapers, or be confined to artificial environments. Their natural instincts are to roam, dig in the dirt, graze on grass and leaves, and interact with their environments—not to entertain human whims.
These examples are far from isolated. They are part of a larger, deeply troubling pattern of wildlife exploitation in the exotic pet trade. Whether sold as pets, paraded as ambassadors, or hunted as trophies, kangaroos and other wild animals are being treated as commodities rather than living beings. This trade feeds on novelty, greed, and ignorance, leaving a trail of suffering for the animals involved.
Baby kangaroos in nappies on sale in Texas for $7000 Tri Lakes Exotics
In Germany
We are looking for male wallabies.
We have plenty of space for the little ones, and they will be kept in species-appropriate conditions.
These attractive marsupials have become the latest must-have ‘pet’. In the past five years, UK wallaby breeders have reported a steady rise in demand, mainly from people wanting an unusual animal to help to keep the lawn trim and be a talking point.
Wallabies cost £150 for a male and £600 to £700 for a female; the sought-after albinos can fetch £500 and £1,000 respectively. They’re always sold in at least a pair, as they’re group animals.
Kangaroos are complex creatures with specific behavioral, ecological, and nutritional needs. They are integral to Australia’s ecosystems and cultural identity, but their role in nature is continually undermined by the global demand for exotic pets. Captivity is not conservation—it’s cruelty. Every joey sold into the exotic pet trade, every kangaroo displayed in a backyard, and every animal hunted for sport represents another step away from respecting and protecting wildlife.
We must take a stand. Kangaroos belong in the wild, not in living rooms, bathtubs, or hunting ranges. Their suffering is not entertainment, and their existence is not a luxury for us to exploit. Stronger regulations and global awareness are essential to put an end to this needless cruelty. By speaking out, sharing these stories, and supporting organizations fighting to protect wildlife, we can help ensure that kangaroos and other exploited animals are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
The time to act is now. Kangaroos are not ours to own, sell, or kill—they are wild, sentient beings who deserve their freedom. Let’s work together to protect them and all wildlife from the horrors of the exotic pet trade. 🦘💔
Bizarre scene on the side of American road highlights country's 'real problem'
South Carolina residents couldn't believe their eyes when a kangaroo started bouncing down the road.
Is your kangaroo missing?
Deputy Gonzales has responded to a loose kangaroo wearing a red jacket in the area of Farek Loth and FM 609.
Yes we are serious... we couldn't make this up if we wanted to.
The abuse of a kangaroo in a Russian circus is a stark reminder of the cruelty inflicted on wildlife in the name of entertainment. In this horrifying case, a kangaroo was dressed in a pink tutu and forced to perform humiliating acts for an audience. The animal was subjected to exploitation and mistreatment, stripped of its dignity and natural behaviors. Circuses like this perpetuate the suffering of wild animals, confining them to unnatural environments and forcing them into stressful, degrading performances. This incident highlights the urgent need to end the use of animals in circuses and to advocate for their protection and freedom.
14/04/2024
I came across this today
The Hidden Cruelty of Exploitation: Joeys Torn from Their Mothers
it was NOTa good day
The exotic pet trade often paints a picture of cute, cuddly animals that can be domesticated, but the reality is far more sinister. One of the most heartbreaking practices involves forcibly removing joeys from their mothers’ pouches. This act is not only traumatic for the joey but also devastating for the mother, who experiences immense stress and loss.
Kangaroo mothers form deep bonds with their young, nurturing them in their pouches until they are ready to face the world. When a joey is ripped away, the mother is left distressed, and the joey is robbed of the safety and warmth it desperately needs. To make matters worse, some individuals dismiss the mother’s suffering, claiming she is “relieved” to have her joey taken. This statement is not only ignorant but also a gross misrepresentation of kangaroo behavior. Another claim by the owners is that “We pull all of our joeys at six months to provide a better opportunity for survival. I assure you our animals especially our kangaroos are very well taken care of!” The claim that pulling joeys from their mothers at six months provides them with "a better opportunity for survival" is deeply concerning and misleading. In reality, separating joeys from their mothers disrupts the natural processes critical to their development and well-being. Kangaroo mothers provide their joeys with warmth, nourishment, security, and protection within the pouch. Removing them prematurely deprives them of these essentials, which are vital for their survival, both physically and emotionally. While establishments may claim that their animals are "well taken care of," the truth lies in the methods used to handle and interact with them. Wildlife is not meant to be commodified or exploited under the guise of care and conservation. True care respects an animal’s natural behaviors and prioritizes its well-being over profit or entertainment.
The stress inflicted on joeys during such separations can lead to myopathy, a fatal condition caused by extreme stress. This condition results in muscle damage, paralysis, and often death. The exotic pet trade’s disregard for the well-being of these animals highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and greater public awareness.
Wildlife is not here for human amusement or profit. Kangaroos are iconic symbols of Australia’s natural heritage, and their exploitation must end. By educating ourselves and others, we can take a stand against these cruel practices and advocate for the ethical treatment of all wildlife.
Please write a google review HERE. The post has since been removed
If you're outraged by the exotic pet trade and want to take action, here are some key places and organisations you can write to or contact:
Australian Government:
Contact the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to advocate for stricter export and trade regulations for native wildlife.
Write to your local Member of Parliament to push for stronger laws against the exploitation of kangaroos and other wildlife.
United States Government:
Reach out to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to demand tighter restrictions on the import and sale of exotic animals, including kangaroos.
Contact your state representatives to advocate for bans on exotic pet ownership and trophy hunting.
Animal Welfare Organizations:
World Animal Protection: They actively campaign against the exotic pet trade and can amplify your concerns.
Humane Society International: They work globally to combat wildlife exploitation.
Born Free Foundation: They focus on ending the exploitation of wild animals in captivity.
Local Authorities:
In Australia, report illegal wildlife trade or concerns to Crime Stoppers Victoria or your state’s wildlife authority.
In the U.S., report exotic pet trade violations to local animal control or wildlife agencies.
Social Media and Public Campaigns:
Use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to tag and pressure organizations, businesses, and policymakers involved in or enabling the exotic pet trade.
Share petitions and campaigns from organizations like Change.org or Avaaz to gather public support.
Write to Facilities and Sellers:
Directly contact facilities like Dragonstone Ranch, Mandalay Farms, or hunting ranges like Ox Ranch and Texas Hunt Lodge to express your concerns about their practices.
Every letter, email, or social media post adds to the collective voice demanding change. Let’s keep the pressure on and fight for a future where kangaroos and all wildlife are respected and protected. 🦘💔
It is still possible to export kangaroos and wallabies overseas, but the process is heavily regulated under Australian law. The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) governs the export of native wildlife, including kangaroos and wallabies. Here are the key points:
Permitted Species: Only certain species of kangaroos and wallabies can be exported, such as red kangaroos, eastern grey kangaroos, western grey kangaroos, and some wallaby species like the Tammar wallaby and Bennett's wallaby. These species are considered abundant and not endangered.
Export Conditions: Exports are typically allowed for specific purposes, such as conservation breeding, research, education, or exhibition. Commercial exports for meat or hides are also permitted under strict management plans2.
Management Plans: Any export must comply with state-approved management plans that include quotas and population monitoring to ensure sustainability. These plans are reviewed annually to prevent overharvesting.
Non-Commercial Exports: For non-commercial purposes, such as zoos or sanctuaries, applicants must demonstrate that the export aligns with conservation goals and meets the criteria set out in the EPBC Act3.
While these regulations aim to ensure sustainability and humane treatment, the export of live kangaroos and wallabies for private ownership or exotic pet purposes is highly controversial. Many argue that stricter controls are needed to prevent exploitation and ensure the welfare of these animals.
The export of kangaroos and wallabies for the exotic pet trade or other purposes inflicts severe cruelty and has catastrophic consequences for these animals. The stress and suffering they endure begins from the moment they are removed from their natural habitats and continues throughout their lives in captivity. Here are the key issues:
Cruelty and Suffering During Transport
Exporting live kangaroos and wallabies involves grueling journeys that are profoundly distressing for these wild animals:
Stress During Capture: The process of capturing and handling kangaroos causes immense physical and psychological stress. These animals are not accustomed to close human contact, and even small stressors can lead to life-threatening conditions like stress myopathy, a condition where extreme anxiety causes muscle damage, weakness, and even death.
Confinement and Transport: Kangaroos are crammed into cramped cages for long-haul international flights, often in dark and noisy cargo holds. The inability to move freely, coupled with unfamiliar surroundings, leaves them frightened and vulnerable. Dehydration, injury, and exhaustion are common during transport.
Challenges in a New Country
Once exported, kangaroos face a world of challenges in environments that are completely foreign to them:
Unfamiliar Climate and Habitat: Kangaroos are highly adapted to Australia’s unique ecosystems. Placing them in environments with different climates, vegetation, and terrain leads to immense stress. For example, kangaroos require wide-open spaces to graze, hop, and display their natural behaviors—something that captivity in small enclosures cannot provide.
Improper Diet: In captivity, kangaroos are often fed diets that do not meet their nutritional needs. Their specialized grazing habits, which include consuming native grasses and shrubs, cannot be replicated with commercial feeds or pellets. Poor nutrition leads to digestive issues, malnourishment, and a weakened immune system.
Lack of Environmental Enrichment: Kangaroos are highly active animals that need to dig, graze, and interact with their surroundings. In many cases, captivity deprives them of these activities, causing boredom, frustration, and abnormal behaviors like pacing or self-harm.
Long-Term Psychological and Physical Harm
Stress Myopathy: This condition is particularly common in kangaroos and can be triggered by prolonged stress during transport, handling, and captivity. It causes severe muscle damage, weakness, and an inability to move properly. Many exported kangaroos suffer from this condition, leading to early deaths.
Chronic Stress and Fear: Kangaroos are prey animals by nature, and captivity in unfamiliar environments heightens their fear and anxiety. Constant exposure to stress weakens their overall health and shortens their lifespans.
Skin and Joint Problems: Animals kept in enclosures with hard surfaces or inappropriate bedding often develop sores, bare patches, and joint issues. For instance, joeys kept in diapers and hard-floored enclosures frequently suffer from bare hips and pressure sores.
Moral and Ecological Implications
Exporting kangaroos not only harms individual animals but also undermines Australia’s conservation efforts:
Disruption of Ecosystems: Removing kangaroos from their native environment disrupts ecosystems that rely on them for grazing and vegetation control.
Commodification of Wildlife: Treating kangaroos as objects for profit reinforces the exploitation of wildlife globally. It normalizes cruelty and undermines efforts to protect wild populations.
The Urgent Need for Action
The cruelty inflicted upon kangaroos through the export trade cannot be ignored. Australia must take stronger action to close loopholes in export laws to ensure these animals cannot be sold into private collections, exotic pet facilities, or other exploitative industries abroad. Global awareness and public pressure are key to ending this heartbreaking trade.
Wild animals like kangaroos belong in their natural environments, hopping freely under the open skies of Australia—not caged, starved, and traumatized in foreign lands. Share this message, speak out, and demand that kangaroos are treated with the respect and protection they deserve. Together, we can work to end the unnecessary suffering of these iconic creatures.
Organisations to write to or contact listed above.
The export of kangaroos and wallabies, while heavily regulated, raises important questions about their welfare and the true intent behind such practices. Let's explore the complexities:
Regulated Export Framework
Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), kangaroo and wallaby exports are allowed, provided they meet strict guidelines. Only certain species, such as red kangaroos, eastern grey kangaroos, and western grey kangaroos, along with wallaby species like Tammar wallabies and Bennett's wallabies, are eligible for export. These species are not considered threatened, and their populations are monitored through annual quotas and management plans.
Exports typically fall into specific categories:
Commercial purposes: Kangaroo meat and hides are allowed for export, provided they comply with sustainable harvesting practices.
Non-commercial purposes: These include research, conservation breeding programs, and zoo or sanctuary transfers. For instance, kangaroos may be sent overseas to help educate the public or promote conservation awareness.
Controversial Practices
However, some exports end up fueling the exotic pet trade, where kangaroos and wallabies are sold to individuals or kept in private facilities. Despite the EPBC Act regulations, there have been instances of misuse:
Kangaroos sold into private collections overseas often live in unnatural environments that fail to meet their physical and emotional needs.
Breeding facilities in countries like the United States market kangaroos and wallabies as “rare pets,” completely ignoring their wild nature and complex needs.
Kangaroos are also used as exotic attractions, with some facilities showcasing them as ambassador animals, keeping them far removed from their native Australian habitat.
Impact of Export
The export of kangaroos and wallabies can have severe consequences:
Disruption of Ecosystems: Removing animals from their natural habitat weakens the ecosystems they support, including vegetation management and predator-prey dynamics.
Stress and Suffering: Wild animals are often subjected to stressful and unnatural conditions during transport and captivity, leading to severe health and behavioral issues.
Normalization of Exploitation: Kangaroos being exported for exotic pet ownership or display reinforces the harmful perception that they are suitable for private ownership or confinement.
Calls for Action
While the Australian government regulates exports, there is a growing need for stricter enforcement to prevent kangaroos and wallabies from entering exploitative situations overseas. Advocates call for:
Closing loopholes: Tighten guidelines to ensure exported wildlife cannot be used as pets, attractions, or trophy animals.
International cooperation: Work with other countries to prevent the exploitation of Australian wildlife abroad.
Public awareness: Educate the global community about the unethical treatment of exported kangaroos and wallabies.
The current export framework may aim to support sustainability and conservation, but as kangaroos and wallabies face exploitation far from their natural habitats, there’s an urgent need to reassess its effectiveness. Every kangaroo and wallaby deserves the freedom to thrive as a wild animal—not a commodity.
