The Great Caiman Caper
Did you hear about the caiman that was spotted – and recently captured and a pond close to High Park?
I sure would be scared of my toes going missing after going for a swim. Apparen'tly, it is suspected that the caiman had been a pet that its owner likely put in to the pond. A PET? This pet certainly would not have survived an Ontario winter, had it not been captured.
Thankfully, the little caiman is now in the hands of reptile experts. Here's the CBC article with footage of the little guy.
It brings up good questions about exotic pets. You may recall the tragic event a few years ago of a python that got loose and killed several children. Of the infamous IKEA monkey incident. 
What animals should never be kept as pets? And what IS a pet anyway? Is a pet an animal that you care for and have emotional bonds with? Must it be an animal that can have a bond with you?
If you've ever experienced the affection of a cat or dog, it is clear that there is attachment. But cats and dogs have been living with humans for thousands of years, we've adapted to to have symbiotic relationships. A caiman? Not exactly an historic companion animal. Or evolution-wise, our relationship isn't at that level.
If someone would chose to keep an animal such as a caiman as a pet – what would be the appeal? Is being a pet in the best interest of the caiman? There are some reptiles that are regularly kept as pets – such as geckos or corn snakes, but they are not likely to injure the caregiver – so where's the line? Or moreover, why do we – as a species – keep pets? There's a huge historic basis for human-animal cooperation. But in an urban setting – why do we feel a need for animal pets?
3 thoughts on “The Great Caiman Caper”
This is a very thought provoking subject…Why do we keep pets??? To assert our dominance??? To…Nope, that’s all I got.
As for the appeal of the caiman, I’m not sure, it definitely does not appeal to me. It freaks me out. I guess a pet is anything that we can’tame so if the owner can call a caiman as a pet, they must feel very superior.
Its a very controversial subject, perhaps we just like the glamour of having exotic pets or develop a strong love for certain animals. While some animals like dogs an cats, who have been eager companions with humans for centuries, most other species are meant to life on their own, in their own habitat. We should not be trying to force unwilling or uninterested animals as companions and pets for humans.
I agree, we shouldn’t force animals like caimans to become pets. Too bad the wild places around the world are disappearing.