City's rich pet exotic animals

HYDERABAD: Imported, expensive and much in demand! Like perfumes in a pre-liberalised India, it is exotic pets that the rich are now hankering after. The city is witnessing a large-scale import of exotic birds and animals that are delivered at the doorstep of those who can afford them.
Turning their noses at 'tame' choices like dogs and cats, the city's well-heeled are going for rare animals and birds like emu, ostrich, exotic monkeys and squirrels and also African imports.Dealers say that it is the rich Hyderabadi's latest status symbol, price no bar. Many of these pets are already enjoying the hospitality of their elite buyers' homes or farm houses.
"The two large birds from Australia, emu and ostrich, are currently the favourites for those who want to keep exotic pets. It is not just their appearance which is appealing but they also enhance the beauty of the farmhouses. That apart, they can also protect other farm animals and don't need training," says SA Sohail, owner, Fur n Feathers, Banjara Hills. Each of these birds costs Rs 4 lakh, he says. These huge birds have a lifespan of about 20 years.
Also available in the high-bracket pet market are more than 60 exotic species of African birds, popular for their vibrant colours and appearance. Keshav Srinivas, MD, Zoa Zone, Jubilee Hills, says that the Blue Macaw, which costs around Rs 2 lakh, the Rs 1 lakh sulphur-crested Cockatoo and the Rs 35,000 African grey bird are the talk of town.
He says, talking birds are in great demand but it all depends on how well they can mimic. Keshav says that it was a daunting task to get exotic pets in the past, now people can get an animal of their choice within a few days and sometimes by even placing an order online. "Now even the local veterinary hospitals are well equipped to take care of these imported animals. Besides, the city stores now get the best animal food from abroad," Keshav says.
It's not only birds, but exotic aquatic creatures as well that are grabbing the attention of animal lovers. Having recently sold a red Arowana fish, imported from Thailand, for Rs 1 lakh, AK Chandrababu, proprietor, Pisceans aquarium, Jubilee Hills says: "The spending power of the people has increased. Also, nowadays doctors are advising people to keep pets as it helps to reduce stress."
According to him, alligator gar fish which looks like an alligator is also in demand. Exotic monkeys and squirrels mostly from Thailand, too, are quite the craze. Local animal and bird lovers feel it is time the government lifts the ban on keeping local animals as pets given the demand for exotic varieties of animals from within the country.
Omar Samdhani, an exotic birds breeder, says, "a real animal lover will never harm them. The government should understand this and allow Indian fauna like peacock, eagles, deer and others to be kept as pets. This would not only help increase the population of the animals but would also help in popularising them."