World Animal Day, which is celebrated on October 4 around the world, is a social mission to raise the status of animals in order to improve the welfare standards around the globe. This day isn’t a recent addition to the calendar, but was started in 1931 at a convention of ecologists in Florence, Italy. It was during this convention that the plight of endangered species was highlighted and the day was chosen as it is the feast day of St Francis of Assisi.

Many of us have an undying love for animals and tend to buy/adopt pets we can keep at our home. Pets too are a constant source of love and affection, who are always there to cheer us up with their innocence. While, cats, dogs, horses or pigs are commonly kept pets, this Animal’s Day we decided to give you a list of unusual pets that you may want to consider bringing home. Here are seven:

Axolotl

Axolotl, also known as Mexican salamander or walking fish, is totally a legit pet. However, this ‘walking fish’ is not a fish but an but an amphibian. Axolotls can be found in a variety of colours, including black, grey, golden, albino, white with black eyes, and many more. Now isn’t this an interesting pet to have?

Bearded Dragon

The Bearded Dragon may look a little scary (a lot more to people who are scared of lizards), but they are common house pets in the US. They are known to have a calm nature and relatively easy to care for (relatively from other lizards?). These beautiful creatures need ample space to live as they can grow up to two feet long. Moreover, even though they are legal in US, one still needs a licence before keeping them.

Hedgehog

Ain’t this little thing adorable? So what if you get pricked its thorn-like coat every time you try to pet this little being. As long as it looks cute, it qualifies as a pet. No? Like porcupines, the hedgehogs’ backs is covered with sharp spines that protects them from predators. However, these pets are not for everyone. They tend to be moody and are known to throw spitballs. Learn to dodge before you plan to get this little buddy to your place.

 

Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

This ain’t no little pet my dear friend, but a publicly acclaimed movie star. The Madagascar hissing cockroach has featured in Hollywood movies, like Bug (1975), Damnation Alley (1977) and in Starship Troopers. Other than being popular, this versatile cockroach is also a good option when thinking of keeping a pet. They are known docile and are easy to handle. Even though these insects are legal to keep, one requires a permit before bringing them home.

Piranha

Many of us know the Piranha fish as a dangerous, carnivorous fish that has the ability to eat a flesh. None of this is untrue, but come on, give this little fish a chance. Piranha, even though they are known to be an aggressive species, don’t attack humans until threatened. Moreover, they are wonderful pets (but do check country laws before getting this fish home). However, make sure you keep their tummies full otherwise the other fish in your tank may not survive.

 

Tarantula

If you are a beginner at keeping insects, then this should not be your first option. Tarantulas have been relatively popular pets for several years. They are easy to keep and manage, and need little space to exist, however getting the right species is a task. There are over 800 species of tarantulas belonging to the family Theraphosidae and many of them are poisonous, so be VERY careful.

 

 

Chinchilla

Now, this little creature is surely one adorable ball of fur. However, don’t expect them to cuddle and express their love to you like your dog (if you have one). They are a small rodent native to South America, found in rocky, arid areas in the mountains and are easy to tame, but are known to be extremely destructive.