Hi Brigitte,
 
You wrote:
 
>A few weeks ago, I read about a pet shop keeping a sugar-glider.  Why is a
>wild animal in a pet-shop?  They belong in the wild or possibly in a zoo.
 
Sugar gliders are from Australia.  They were first imported to America
because of forests being destroyed and most of the gliders were being
killed.  So American exotic animal breeders bred them and got lots of
babies and they are widespread today (this first happened 30-40 years ago.)
They are considered an Exotic pet I admit, but mainly because they are
marsupials (they have a pouch for babies, related to kangaroos, wallabies,
ect.)  They need a caring and responsible animal owner and I think they
make great pets.  As long as the pet store knows the suger glider's
nutrition needs and will sell to people that will meet the needs of the
glider, I see no problem.  They make good pets for responsible children
too.  I have never seen them in the zoo, but they are just as sweet and
affectionate as ferrets.  There are many people that own both ferrets/sugar
gliders and they don't have problems between the two being together at play
time.  I think sugar gliders are better off as pets, just like ferrets.
 
This is in NO WAY meant for a **flame**, its just what I many others I know
think and believe.  They are another unique pet and I understand if some
people have different views.  It is just my opinion and experience.
 
Bright Blessings,
Heidi
[Posted in FML issue 3052]