The Dark Side of Zoototemism: Understanding the Risks of Keeping Exotic Animals as Pets

Zoototemism is a term that was coined in the early 20th century to describe the practice of keeping exotic animals as pets. The word is derived from the Greek words "zoon," meaning animal, and "totem," meaning a symbol or object of veneration.

The term zoototemism was originally used to describe the practice of keeping exotic animals as pets in a way that was considered to be excessive or fetishistic. However, over time, the term has come to be used more broadly to describe any situation where humans keep exotic animals as pets, regardless of whether they are treated with proper care and respect.

Zoototemism can be seen as a form of anthropomorphism, where humans attribute human qualities or characteristics to non-human animals. This can lead to unrealistic expectations about the needs and behaviors of exotic animals, and can result in poor living conditions and mistreatment of the animals.

In some cases, zoototemism can also be associated with the illegal pet trade, where exotic animals are captured from their natural habitats and sold as pets without proper permits or regulations. This can lead to the spread of diseases and the decline of wild populations.

Overall, while the term zoototemism may have been originally used to describe a specific type of behavior, it has come to be used more broadly to describe any situation where humans keep exotic animals as pets in a way that is not respectful of their needs and well-being.