Animal Underworld by Alan Green

Leptonyx

Leptonyx

Well-Known Member
I'm wondering if anyone else has read this book yet? I'm only into the first 15 pages- but I'm feeling sick to my stomach already. Does anyone know the current situation of the black market for exotic animals? The book suggests a lot regarding AZA's role in the exotic animal trade...and it makes me quite sad to think this was published only 10 years ago :(
 
Yes....

I read that book about 8 years ago, and got the same feeling that you have.
What was even more disturbing was that I recognized the names of some of the people involved in the underhanded dealings. Our zoo, long before we got our act together and cleaned it up and got accredited actually used to deal with some of the animal agents named. THAT really got me sick because to this day I still think about the animals we sent to them.

I think (hope) that AZA as an organization was not part of the incidents mentioned, but accredited AZA zoos were, without the knowledge of the AZA governing body. (I think I remember this correctly)
 
I read it a few years ago and had a similar feeling. From what I have seen, experienced and heard so far, some has improved, quite a lot has stayed the same. Beside of the still existing problem of surplus animals, there are still those wild animals brought to the zoo(s) because they are injured, sick or causing trouble. Some zoos don't really know what to do with them or where to put them, especially if they cannot be re-introduced. Therefore, they're often glad when they find someone who takes them (and maybe even has the apt permits) and don't ask too many questions...
 
You would think that euthanizing the surplus animals might be better than having them enter the black market circuit? But probably not the best image for a zoo...just more incentive to open up a zoo someday to save them all! Thanks for the feedback.
 
I remember a story on American 60 Minutes about 20 years ago, about major zoos in the USA selling their surplus hoofstock to a dealer who then sold them at a wildlife auction. Things like giraffes, zebras and antelope - even a saiga - were auctioned off, usually to a hunting ranch.

Is this what you're talking about?

:)

Hix
 
Sort of! The book actually mentions that very documentary- and even more surprisingly how the "trespassers" featured in it have been forgiven and are still being used by certain zoos :( It's very sad- though I'm trying to get a copy of that documentary now. I think I saw another documentary about the exotic cats in Texas, and how you can get a lion cub for only $250 (considering my parents paid $300 for our bichon-frise, it just makes the whole operation even sadder).
 
Another book along these lines is "The Lizard King" by Bryan Christy. This one discusses the reptile trade and some of the more shady characters involved. The Van Nostrand family are the main focal point. Many are implicated from zoo administrators in the old days to government officials in the animals' countries of origin. Trade in endangered species such as Komodos, Fly River turtles and Carribean rock iguanas also comes up. It's an eye-opener, espescially for a lifelong reptile keeper like myself.
 
Its funny you mention that book groundskeeper24- I ordered that book about a week ago from the library so hopefully it'll be coming in soon! Haven't seen any Komodo Dragons in Ontario, but definetely alligator snapping turtle babies, softshells, and a pair of pignosed turtles in a sketchy petstore (along with some other reptiles I'm pretty sure aren't up for legal trade...)
 
Leptonyx said:
Its funny you mention that book groundskeeper24- I ordered that book about a week ago from the library so hopefully it'll be coming in soon! Haven't seen any Komodo Dragons in Ontario, but definetely alligator snapping turtle babies, softshells, and a pair of pignosed turtles in a sketchy petstore (along with some other reptiles I'm pretty sure aren't up for legal trade...)
Click to expand...

It points out that many animals labeled as "captive bred" are only called that for purposes of legality. If an animal is born in the country where it's sold, nobody thinks it's illegally imported. People look for such animals b/c they are generally heathier and better suited for captivity. That's just one shady aspect of the industry that's pointed out to the reader. Hope you enjoy it.
 
Leptonyx said:
Sort of! The book actually mentions that very documentary- and even more surprisingly how the "trespassers" featured in it have been forgiven and are still being used by certain zoos :( It's very sad- though I'm trying to get a copy of that documentary now. I think I saw another documentary about the exotic cats in Texas, and how you can get a lion cub for only $250 (considering my parents paid $300 for our bichon-frise, it just makes the whole operation even sadder).
Click to expand...

Leptonyx did you ever find either of the documentaries? I was trying to find both but haven't had any luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top