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12 Fascinating Exotic Pets that are Illegal in The USA

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They have special feeding requirements and are heavily protected, making them restricted to accredited zoos only.

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Tarsiers

Difficult to breed and maintain outside of natural colonies. Their rarity as pets is probably for the best.

Meerkats

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Sand Cats

Sand cats are restricted to accredited zoos and institutions. Breeding should be reserved for species survival plans.

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Birds of prey, including owls, are heavily regulated in the US. Native owl ownership requires a federal permit. 

Snow Owls

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Koalas

Koalas are endangered, and Australia restricts their exportation. They are uncommon even in zoos due to their protected status.

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Marmosets are small, demanding, and socially complex monkeys that should be kept with their own species. 

Marmosets

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Jerboa

African rodents were once available in the US but banned due to the monkeypox scare, leading to their disappearance.

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Endangered animals lare only found in accredited zoos. They require large enclosures and should not be kept as pets.

Tree Kangaroo 

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Penguins

Penguins are protected by the Lacey Act, making it illegal to own them without permits.  Pet ownership is unlikely, but possible for educational facilities or exhibitions.

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Red pandas are not suitable as pets due to their endangered status.  Legal ownership is unlikely.

Red Pandas

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Cheetah

Cheetahs are rare in the US and mostly found in accredited zoos due to their difficult breeding,.

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Slow lorises are illegal to export from their native countries but can still be found as pets in places like Russia and Japan. 

Slow Loris