Is this ethical? It seems totally awful to me: http://asiandragoncorp.com/EXOTICANIMALS.html
Greg
Great to hear someone from San Diego, my daughter is there. I think that site is just strange and I don’t really understand the “Private zoo” part of it. Are we talking about a petting zoo or a big back yard or what?
In any event, if someone who doesn’t know any better wants a camel, let me know. I’ll do 'em a deal on one. 
Regards
Testy
I don’t see anything on that page about private zoos. Am I missing something?
When you think about it, zoos have to obtain their animals from somewhere. So, unless you’re totally opposed to all zoos, it’s hard to find fault in general with the idea of buying and selling animals.
My feelings about this particular company would depend on how they treat the animals and whether or not their activities threaten the existence of wild populations. They state that a vet accompanies the animals during shipment so it sounds like they do have some concern about the well-being of the animals. Granted their concern is probably completely mercenary but it’s the actual treatment, rather than the motivation, that’s important here.
Private zoo was my term, but it does seem like they will sell to anyone with a credit card and a hankering for a cheetah. However, I didn’t see that first page where they talk about the vet, and licensed importers. That makes it seem a bit more legit, but it’s still a bizarre bazaar.
So, this place sells big cats, armored Chevy Tahoes, encrypted cell phones, and casino equipment?
Friends, we have discovered Universal Exports .
Edited to add: Holy crap, rocket launchers too.
$350 for a wallaby? What a rip-off!
And it’s just the place if you want to equip your MIG-19 too!
People have been selling exotic animals via the web practically since the web began. Most states don’t have any laws at all on issues such as owning big cats. There are supposedly more pet tigers in Texas than there are in the wild in India. There are literally hundreds of breeders of exotic pets in the U.S. Tigers are probably cheaper to buy than you think too starting at just a few hundred dollars. I knew someone with a pet mountain lion once. I knew someone with a full-grown pet alligator that would come when called as well. If you want a pet lion, tiger, or kangaroo, just do a Google search and arrange for a pickup.
I’m having trouble deciding between two baby cheetahs, an L-39 Albatross, or a submarine. Maybe I’ll spring for a 747 or wait for the giraffe to give birth.
As for the ethical issues, it doesn;t look like their taking the animals from the wild, so it’s not too bad. In addition to the vet chapperone, I wonder if they have a screening process for buyers to prevent unprepared owners from abusing or neglecting the animals.
In any case, I know what website I’ll be going to if I hit the big lotto.
Earlier this month, I was driving from Rochester to Niagara Falls, and I passed by a farm that was raising (at least, in those areas visible from the road) camels and llamas. They’re probably in the same business, I’d imagine.