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Should Exotic Animals Be Kept As Pets? In February, a pet chimpanzee named Travis mauled a guest in his owner's home, and police shot and killed him. Travis was raised by his owner and treated like family. The attack raises questions about whether primates and other exotic animals can be kept responsibly as pets.
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Should Exotic Animals Be Kept As Pets?

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Should Exotic Animals Be Kept As Pets?

National

Should Exotic Animals Be Kept As Pets?

Should Exotic Animals Be Kept As Pets?

Listen · 30:19
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/101430578/101430570" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Heard on Talk of the Nation

In February, a pet chimpanzee named Travis mauled a guest in his owner's home, and police shot and killed him. Travis was raised by his owner and treated like family.

The attack raises questions about whether primates and other exotic animals can be kept responsibly as pets. Tell us: Do you have an exotic pet? How is caring for your pet different from a typical house pet?

Guests:

Jane Goodall, primatologist, ethologist, and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute

Nancy Nighswander, federal legislation director for the Uniting a Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League

Donna Leinwand, reporter for USA Today

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