Rarely are the owners of such pets able to provide the basic nutritional or habitat needs of these animals; most of the animals soon die or are sent to a zoo. Furthermore, in order to obtain the young, which are considered most desirable as pets, many adults of the wild species are killed, seriously depleting populations already endangered. Several countries have passed laws to prohibit the importation of endangered species as pets, but an active black market flourishes. Humans generally keep pets for the pleasure the pets give to their owners, and this pleasure can be mutual. Pet keeping can thus be described as a symbiotic relationship, benefitting both animals and human beings. Since pets are found in nearly every culture and society, pet keeping apparently satisfies a deep, universal human need.
- Inundated with requests and rising costs, Ms Doelle has asked the government to fund her initiative, but says