When wild animals escape: could the exotic pet trade be our downfall? | Human Animal

Exotic pet ownership in the UK has grown 60% since 2000, according to the wildlife charity Born Free. But escaped wild animals are also a growing concern for their potential to spread disease, and the impact an invasive species might have on nature. The Guardian visits BeastWatch, an organisation of volunteers that specialises in the safe retrieval of exotic pets, and Bristol Zoo to see how wild animals are kept in captivity and ask if new laws can address some of the issues Subscribe to The Guardian on YouTube ► https://ift.tt/16bR3Lu Watch more episodes of Human Animal: a series looking at our evolving relationship with other animals ► https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj7Bzd3lLB8&list=PLa_1MA_DEorGQp4zABhqS98xgpAWulWRa The Guardian publishes independent journalism, made possible by supporters. Contribute to The Guardian today ► https://bit.ly/3biVfwh Website ► https://ift.tt/1AFLGzy Facebook ► https://ift.tt/RENIv3 Twitter ► https://twitter.com/guardian Instagram ► https://ift.tt/2NMuUyt