The Wildlife Trade: Why Buying To Rescue Animals Is Not the Answer

It might feel like an act of kindness to “rescue” a wild animal in a cage by buying it from a market or seller. But the reality is very different. Every purchase fuels the trade, encouraging further capture and breeding of wild animals for profit.

At WFFT, we are becoming overwhelmed with unwanted wild pets – from tortoises and turtles to sugar gliders, monkeys, and many other animals not native to Thailand. Many arrive scared, stressed, and unable to return to the wild because they simply don’t belong here.

NON-NATIVE PRIMATES IN THE PET TRADE

Primates like capuchins, squirrel monkeys, and marmosets are increasingly sold as pets in Thailand. These animals are not native to the country, meaning they can never be released into the wild here. Instead, they are condemned to a life in captivity – often arriving sick, stressed, and with severe behavioural problems from the trade. Keeping them is not only cruel but also dangerous, as primates can carry diseases that pass to humans.

THE LEGAL REALITY

Buying some wild animals may also be illegal. Not all non-native species can be legally owned as pets in Thailand, as many are protected under Thai wildlife laws and international agreements like CITES. Being caught in possession of such animals can lead to confiscation, fines, or even prosecution.

What feels like helping one animal often ends up causing far more harm.

Stop buying wildlife. The kindest choice is to refuse the trade altogether and help break the cycle of exploitation. You can report wildlife trade to the authorities or to WFFT.

When we take in an unwanted wild pet, we are left with lifelong care costs. Right now, we simply cannot continue doing this without your support. You can help by:

• Donating at wfft.org/donate to support their care and protection
• Not sharing or liking posts showing wild animals as pets. It fuels demand!
• Reporting illegal wildlife trade to the authorities