Hippopotamus, boa constrictor, pygmy crocodile – people’s most interesting pets in Latvia

Among endangered exotic animals, natural persons keep parrots, snakes and lizards, turtles and wild carnivores the most.

For example, there are two Madagascar boa snakes born in 2010, a reticulated python born in 2006, and a green cockatiel born in 2007. A Japanese macaque born in 1995, a West African dwarf crocodile, a hippopotamus born in 1989 and a polar bear named Romeo and an Indian rattlesnake born in 2009 are just some of the very exotic animals registered in Latvia.

The full list of exotic animals can be found here!

The administration indicates that, in general, the trend of keeping exotic animals is not pronounced, more stable. But it is more pronounced in the field of reptiles: snakes, lizards, turtles. In 2023 (natural persons, legal entities, not including registered zoos) registered 158 exotic animals.

In order to purchase and legally be allowed to keep an exotic animal, it must have all the necessary documents that confirm its legal purchase, as well as be able to provide the necessary living conditions for them, the administration states: “If the animal was bought from a breeder, the fact is confirmed by a certificate issued by the breeder; if the animal is bought in a pet store, it is confirmed by a check or certificate issued by the store, if the animal is a representative of a particularly endangered species. Any document on the origin of the animal must contain the Latin name of the species and, of course, data about the animal: sex, year of birth, tag number (microchip or leg ring).”

If a person wants to buy a very dangerous animal that poses a risk to the life of the keeper and those around him, there is a high possibility that he will not be able to coordinate the keeping of the animal with the responsible authorities: “Any animal must be provided with appropriate keeping conditions and well-being. A very dangerous animal, which poses a risk to the life of the keeper and others, will most likely not be allowed to be registered and kept by the authorities. This can be said for large carnivores and also for primates, which not only have complex housing requirements, but also strict veterinary requirements due to diseases.”

If the animal does not have a document certifying its legal origin, it is not possible to register the animal. However, it is forbidden to keep an unregistered animal. In addition, it should be mentioned that not only not registering an animal is a violation, but also buying an animal of illegal origin is a violation, for which punishment and confiscation of the animal is expected.