The park receives dozens of animals in the spring season due to the inability of its owners to keep them in good condition
Details from conservationists and ecologist organizations confirm that 80% of exotic animals are in poor condition, outside their natural habitat, and most of them don´t end their life at the home where they entered as a ‘present’. Terra Natura Benidorm appeals to citizen responsibility and warns the mistake of confusing an exotic animal with Christmas presents.
The responsible of Animals of Terra Natura Benidorm, Enrique Sánchez, explained that from spring season the facilities of the park become a place where people leave the animal that was supposed to be a “Christmas present”. For this reason, the park recommends to the whole society to avoid exotic animals as a gift because the animal has difficulties of adapting and many people don´t know how to care them.
“We are creating two problems: one of social character, where the example given to our children is not the most enriching; We make animals an object to use and throw away, renouncing commitment and responsibility as essential values ​for our sons and daughters. The other problem is environmental: it creates a situation of animal abuse, because even wanting the best conditions for the animal it is very difficult to do outside their natural habitat. On the other hand, the abandonment of certain species in our ecosystems makes them invasive with very dangerous effects for the native flora and fauna, “explained Sánchez.
The most common animals that go through these trances are usually iguanas, macaws, raccoons, Vietnamese pigs, snakes, giant spiders, crocodiles, turtles and even sharks. “The reality is that we forget that the animals grow, until two meters an iguana; They need space that we can´t give them and take care of them because they may smell bad if they are not cleaned regularly. In definitive, what was a good idea as a present, can be a nightmare as property. And for that reason, it is better to know first the capacities and knowledge of the person who will receive the animal “, commented the responsible of animals in Terra Natura.
The experts of Terra Natura Benidorm consider that having an animal in the family is a responsibility and a long-term commitment. “We have to dedicate time, effort and sometimes money; In exchange – if we have chosen the right pet – it will gratify us with loyalty, joy and the values ​​it represents, “added Sanchez.