If an animal doesn’t naturally occur in New Zealand, it’s exotic. Having an exotic pet is an interesting and unique choice, and some common exotic species have very long lifespans and are space efficient (unless you pick the wrong species of tortoise). New Zealand household pet ownership is among the highest in the world. Having an exotic pet has its pros and cons, and understanding what you’re getting into is crucial.
A 2019 report found that one quarter of exotic pet owners did no research before acquiring their animal. Polling commissioned by World Animal Protection found that more than half of New Zealand exotic pet owners didn’t realise their pet is exotic. “Animals suffer at every step of the journey destined to people’s homes: from capture to handling, transport, holding, breeding, sale and the lifetime of captivity in the home,” executive director for World Animal Protection Simone Clarke says. If you plan on caring for an exotic pet, do your research! This article should be just the beginning.
Lions, Tigers, Bears, Oh My!
There are some animals that New Zealanders legally may not own as pets, and lions, tigers, and bears all make that list. In fact, you cannot have many exotic pets. It’s all thanks to the HSNO Act, the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act. The Act regulates the ownership of exotic pets, restricting any organism not recorded in the country before July 1, 1997, as a “New Organism.”
Importing or creating such organisms, including genetically modified ones, requires government approval through the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), along with strict physical containment and safety measures. Zoos can keep exotic animals because they are approved containment areas and must secure individual approvals and undergo rigorous audits.
For private ownership, only exotic species present before 1997 and not classified as endangered are generally allowed. However, owning more unique or exotic animals like sloths or foxes is prohibited. So then, what options do Kiwis have? Well, Kiwis are certainly not one of them. Native species such as tuatara, kiwi, or kakapo cannot be kept as pets under any circumstances.
What Exotic Pets Are Allowed in New Zealand?
Cats, dogs, rabbits, and guinea pigs are common pets in New Zealand, but what about the exotics? Rodents such as mice, rats, and hamsters are options, provided the right care is given to them and they remain pets not pests. Birds such as budgies, canaries, and some parrot species are also options.
Examples of more exotic pets you might choose to care for are axolotls (Mexican salamanders), turtles (such as a red-eared slider, eastern snakeneck, or Reeve’s turtle), tortoises (take the Greek spur-thighed tortoise or Hermann’s tortoise as examples), bearded dragons, leopard geckos, skinks, and newts. Most ornamental fish species are allowed, but you cannot keep invasive species or those that pose an ecological risk.
If you have the space, you may keep chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, cows, and alpacas: Kiwis are farmers after all. Exotic mammals like ferrets, hedgehogs, and squirrels are prohibited. Most exotic birds and reptiles require permits for import or ownership. And dangerous or invasive species are banned, so no snakes!
The Challenges of Owning Exotic Pets in New Zealand
Having an exotic pet has its own challenges and can be a major undertaking. Exotic pets often have specific needs for diet, lighting, humidity, and enclosure size. Some veterinarians may lack knowledge; specialised vets may not be readily available or affordable. Legal restrictions and costs are further limitations.
The New Zealand Herpetological Society Incorporated (NZHS) promotes awareness and interest in amphibians and reptiles, which are common exotic pets. They say it’s important that exotic reptiles and amphibians aren’t released into the wild, and that any species that isn’t naturally found in the country can have a devastating impact on native species and ecosystems.
New Zealanders embrace nature and protecting our ecosystem is a key concern; exotic pets can threaten the environment we so meticulously safeguard. To ensure you comply with New Zealand’s biosecurity laws and protect its unique biodiversity, check with your local council and MPI to understand rules and regulations.
