Data from international wildlife charity, Born Free has revealed the number of wild and exotic animals being kept legally as pets in the UK.

The data shows that in 2023 more than 2,700 dangerous wild animals were being kept privately in Great Britain under licences permitted by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. This number includes more than 200 wild cats, 250 primates and 400 venomous snakes.

The data shows that in Richmond upon Thames, two Savannah Cats are being kept as pets.

A Savannah Cat is a breed of hybrid cat which crosses a serval cat with a domestic cat.

A total of 187 private addresses across 126 local authorities hold licences to keep dangerous wild animals such as lions, tigers, crocodilians and venomous reptiles!. (Photo Credit: Born Free).

Dr Mark Jones, Born Free's Head of Policy said: "It is unbelievable that, in this day and age, so many dangerous animals, including big cats, large primates, crocodiles and venomous snakes, continue to be legally kept in people's homes."

The charity has shared its concerns about wild animals being kept domestically - stating that it threatens the safety of people and other animals.

They also add that it is not safe for the exotic animals because unlike  domesticated animals, which have been bred over generations to live alongside humans, these wild animals have complex physical, psychological, nutritional, social, and environmental needs which cannot be met by a life in captivity.

As a result, these, often threatened, creatures can suffer poor health and psychological damage. 

Increased demand for exotic 'pets' also puts pressure on wild populations of many already threatened species.

As a result of the findings, Born Free is s calling on the UK government to review the Dangerous Wild Animals Act.

The charity is asking the public to join them in campaigning for change by writing to their local MP using the form found here: bornfree.org.uk/dangerous-wild-animals/ to demand improved regulation that will ensure far greater restrictions on the trade in, and keeping of, wild animals as 'pets' in the UK.

They want better legislation that fully considers:

• Whether individual animal welfare needs can be fully met, and owners have the necessary qualifications and experience and can provide the right environment to meet those needs
• Whether the trade is likely to compromise the conservation of species in the wild
• Potential environmental concerns, such as the escape of potentially invasive species
• Risks to public and animal health & safety, including the spread of zoonotic diseases

See the full data here.