>Exotic really just means anything that isn't native to one's homeland,
>one's country.  Just like people can be classified as "exotic" who are
>from another country originally.  Since ferrets aren't native to the U.S.
>that would indeed classify them as exotic because they don't naturally
>breed and live in the wilds here..  I think people are getting confused
>over the whole term.  It's not a bad thing to be exotic.  It's just what
>ferrets are.  I don't frankly see what all the fuss is about.  They are
>still just as valued and important to us - still a treasured part of the
>family. :)
 
Hi all-- the difference IS important at times.  The vets in new york
charge twice as much for ferret vists and care becasue they are
classified as exotics.  Mayor Juliani used the classiciation of exotic
as ONE reason to outlaw ferrets here ( like keeping polar bears or
orangutangs in your apartment)..it can also make it harder to travel with
or ship a ferret anywhere.
 
They may not"naturally" breed here but neither do most pedigree type
dogs, cats birds,,, etc..  they are breed by humans selecting a partner
according to qualities desired.  There are puppy mills and kitty cat
ranches that "artifically breed" .. kinda like marshalls farms does!...
Parakeets are not native and neither is a springer spaniel or himalayan
cat, but i don;t have to hide my ownership of one or pay twice as much at
the vet to care for one..
 
it is true that at one time most animals and humans living in the US were
not native.( and therefore exotic).  but it is time to give ferrets their
citizenship papers!!!!
 
christine
 
[Moderator's note: I suppose beer must be exotic too, because that costs
twice as much in New York City as in most other places too!  BIG]
[Posted in FML issue 3999]