In Shanghai, from walking reindeer along the Xuhui Riverside to checking in at "magical animals" in Fengxian communities, exotic pets are gradually entering the public eye, breaking the traditional pet pattern dominated by cats and dogs, and becoming the "favorite" of some pet lovers.
Exotic pets, also known as unusual pets, are distinct from common domestic pets such as cats, dogs, birds, and fish. They include niche animals such as snakes, lizards, geckos, parrots, and fancy rats. A search for "exotic pets" on a certain social media platform yields over ten thousand related posts, reflecting the popularity of this market.
Among exotic pets, reptiles and rodents are particularly popular. Wen Shengyu, a student in the Department of Plant Science and Technology at Shanghai Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry, has six years of experience in keeping exotic pets. Because his family did not accept long-haired pets, he could only keep small turtles. Later, he kept some insects and gradually began to keep regular exotic pets such as corn snakes and pet lizards.
"For us enthusiasts, one of the greatest pleasures is observing the nature of animals and seeing their natural side," Wen Shengyu told reporters. He explained that he has four pet snakes at home, and after they shed their skin, he processes the molts and makes them into handicrafts as souvenirs.
For Wen Shengyu, exotic pets are sometimes an excellent bridge to academic and social connections. They act like a key, unlocking doors to the outside world, allowing more people to learn about these animals, and providing a community for those interested. "They also allow me to meet more experienced seniors and mentors in the industry, helping me acquire more information about the pet industry," Wen Shengyu said.
Whether you're a student or a working professional, keeping exotic pets seems like a cost-effective option. Dogs require time for walks, cats may shed fur and run around at night, and if the pet is large or has a big appetite, other issues need to be considered. Exotic pets, on the other hand, require less expense and effort. "You just need to pay attention to temperature differences, as most lizards are adapted to tropical and subtropical climates, but otherwise there's nothing particularly special to note," said Xu Lei, a student in the Department of Animal Science and Technology at Shanghai Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry.
The ongoing 3rd Shanghai Pet Fashion Week features a special exotic pet experience pavilion, a 400-square-meter space showcasing nearly 100 exotic pets. Visitors can get up close to these animals and gain a deeper understanding of current pet concepts.
Zhang Xin, general manager of Shanghai International Fashion Center Park Management Co., Ltd., explained that many non-protected animals can be legally raised and live alongside humans, becoming our companions. He believes that exotic pet ownership is a huge and growing market. "The expansion of the market is not only reflected in the increase in the number of pet breeds, but also in the richness and diversity of subdivided areas, which means that the market is developing to a deeper level."
