News
Pricey exotic creatures rapidly losing appeal
View(s):By Kasun Warakapitiya
Traders of imported, exotic pets say their business is in the doldrums, largely because Sri Lankans can no longer afford to buy, feed, and care for them.
Sales have dropped, Lakmal Fonseka, 45, an employee of a pet shop at Bellanthota junction in Dehiwala, told the Sunday Times. People now tend to buy the cheapest pet birds and fish, and also seek bargains.
“The price of imported exotic birds has increased as there are restrictions. But, we are forced to reduce prices of certain species of birds,’’ he said. 
The Sunday Times has learned that sales of some species of birds have increased because they are abundant.
Pet traders said this is due to a reduction in exports of locally-bred birds due to the coronavirus disease pandemic and the economic crisis.
There are occasions when animal lovers return their pets to the pet shops.
Mr Fonseka said baby Eclectus parrots, which were sold for Rs 90,000, now sell for more than Rs 200,000. A baby blue and gold Macaw pair which was Rs 450,000, now sells for Rs 700,000.
“The Budgie parakeets, which were sold for Rs 1,700 to Rs 2,000 are now sold for Rs 1,300. Velvet African love birds, which were sold for Rs 33,000 are now sold for Rs 13,000,” he said.
The owner of the pet shop, Umesh Madugasge said that some of the imported five inch Arowana fish, which sold for Rs 1,000, now sells for Rs 8,500. So, he stopped selling the fish.
“I used to travel overseas to purchase birds, cages, feed, and animals. However, for two years, I have not been able to do that as the Government imposed restrictions on non-essential items,’’ he said.
Airfreight and shipping charges are higher and it is costlier to import animals and pet shop items, he said.
Tharindu Chameera, who owns a pet shop, said that sales of exotic birds have dropped. Selling imported high pedigree dogs is not easy either. Medicines are also unavailable. 
Prabath Botheju, who sells exotic birds and hamsters, said the trade needs to be regulated. Government authorities must provide permits for people to keep exotic animals responsibly.
“Imported animal feed is expensive, The grain we feed these birds such as sunflower seeds and nuts are more expensive than a kilo of rice. A kilo of the grains cost around Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,300,” he said.
Mr Botheju said that a hand-raised Macaw chick born to an imported bird will sell for Rs 350,000, while a fully-grown one will sell for Rs 500,000.
Meanwhile, an owner of two Eclectus parrots said expenses for fruit, nuts, veggies, and grain, have risen.
However, a member of the National Biodiversity Committee as well as the founder of the Customs’ Biodiversity Protection Unit (BPU), Samantha Gunasekara told the Sunday Times that the price will drop if exotic birds are bred locally.
“People can import a few birds and start breeding locally. They can exchange a breeding pair to maintain good genes. But, what is happening now, is importing (buying) and selling birds,’’ he said.
| Freed pets can threaten biodiversity Releasing exotic birds kept as pets into the wild could create serious environmental issues, said the founder of the Customs’ Biodiversity Protection Unit (BPU) Samantha Gunasekara. Such birds will not be able to adapt and survive and could starve to death. They could be attacked by predators, he said. | |
Budgie parakeets, which were sold for Rs 1,700 to Rs 2,000 are now sold for Rs 1,300. Pic by Eshan Fernando
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