The average household does not understand how to look after exotic animals, which need specialised habitats in which to live a decent quality of life. It is hard to replicate the natural habitat of wild animals and even when it is done well, it is unlikely it will adequate enough. Exotic animals are also often endangered animals.

A shark is not necessarily as beautiful to look at as a red macaw, but would be labeled as an exotic pet, especially if it were a rare great white. To buy an animal on the illegal pet trade is expensive but as with everything illegal, nothing is impossible.

Chimpanzees, Orangutans, monkeys and Gorillas sell on the black market for thousands of pounds. All too often their families are killed in the wild and they are cramped into inhumane, cruel cages with other animals. They have little or no food and water, feel distressed and scared, with many will not able to survive their journey. If they do survive lots of the birds and animals will be un-saleable and the rest will be sold to circuses or pet shops and some homes.   

An exotic animal can be interpreted as any animal that is not domesticated or that has been taken from the wild. Taking an animal from the wild that is considered exotic can be dangerous for neighbours of the owners as well as children and other pets in the household.