Hi. Well first of all I have to say I watched the video, and the people who keep this Hippo are kind, but....I really disagree about it coming into the house, and Why do they put a pillow, and blanket on her?? I think this is just crazy! It really is completely unnecessary, as after all, it's not a human, so doesn't need bedclothes! I think if they care for her, it should be done in the most natural way possible. The video indicated there were other hippo's down river, and she goes there to see them, so even if she returns, that's fine, but treat her like a Hippo, not a human. If Hippo's were meant to live in houses, that would be different. I think some people keep exotic pets, just to get attention. I also think it's cruel and unnecessary to keep wild and exotic animals out of their habitat. People who have tiger and lion cubs, for example, if they haven't the proper surroundings for them, they shouldn't be allowed to own them. I remember reading of somebody having a tiger cub in their Apt. This is so cruel, and should never be allowed. If they want to keep something exotic, they can get a wonderful aquarium, full of expensive exotic fish. This also takes money, and a lot of care)

I think one of the most unusual pet stories to come out recently would be the Kyrgyzstani ex-president's private zoo, which had a pair of snow leopards, a pair of bear cubs (just for you!), a pair of golden eagles, peacocks, ducks and an ostrich (among other animals, I assume). Sadly, these animals were seized after the president fled to Belarus, which leads me to assume they were no longer being cared for. To me, a pet is a pet, domesticated or not. It's fine to have them if you have the proper means to support them. I don't have pets, because I don't feel I have the proper means (it's tight enough in the apartment as it is).

Cheers!

did you know that technically anything other than cats, dogs, fish, and livestock are considered "Exotic Pets" that means even Guinea Pigs and hamsters are considered Exotic..

having said that, I myself keep exotic pets.. probably the strangest was the Stick Insects - http://therealowner.com/exotic-unusual/unusual-pets-northern-walking-stick-insects/
I also have some rare breeds of sheep - they have hair not wool but I suppose they fall under "livestock" even though I raise them as pets.

here is an exotic pet blog
http://theanimalcabin.blogspot.com/

Personally I dont think tigers and such are "PETS" as much as they are "Status Symbols" and ownership isnt really right for them except for rare cases as preservation measures

monkeys are cruel - torn from their moms at only a few days old

There are a whole lot more unusual pets than I would have guessed. My vote would be either for a crocodile or lion as the most unusual - mostly because either one could easily eat their families!

I think as long as the animal can be provided with the environment it needs to thrive, receive a species appropriate diet, the opportunity for adequate exercise, and participate in however much social interaction is natural that exotic animals could be kept as pets. ... I'm sure in some culture that cats and dogs are seen as exotics - it all depends on your point of view.

A friend of mine used to baby sit a spider monkey. I was the only person he was mean to. He would bite me, and sometimes scratch me. He liked everyone else, and didn't bite anyone else.

I think it was probably because he knew that I wasn't completely trusting of him. I didn't discipline him either, because I didn't know I could!

So anyways...I've learned my lesson. I discipline my cat when I can now.