Learning about the Mara

The psychology of acceptance and judgment is the same with animals as it is with race and belief differentiation, in my view. Does someone of a different race belong in a country other than the one from which they came? Sure. I stretch out my arms and say 'Welcome'. Does a person with a different belief belong in a community which doesn't commonly hold that same belief? If it's not harmful, I suppose I can only speak for myself, but, sure, I find it interesting and exciting. If I can learn new things right outside my front door then, I say, yes, please come and teach me something new! The question becomes a lot more about 'how' we let something new into our lives as opposed to fearing or judging change simply because we don't understand it at first.

To my thinking, where exotic animals are concerned, if an animal is loved and cared for then they are most likely thrilled to be a part of someone's family. Well, I know I would be at least. When in fact most spend their lives seeking food and fending off predators being cared for and protected means they are free to enjoy richer parts of living; relationships, leisure, entertainment, peace. When I saw my first Mara I was thrilled. To my eye they are one of the cutest animals I've ever seen (and that's saying something because there has never been an animal I haven't felt was beautiful).

They have personalities, you bet, and this is just as it should be. So working with those in a way that honors who they are while including and integrating them into your family (should they seem to want it of course) is more the issue than whether we should or shouldn't.

As it happens, the Mara has an affectionate, cuddly personality and after a generation or two of domestication they are as docile as any Dog, Cat, or Hamster you've ever known. They are not indigenous to the Unites States and are thus more common as pets in other places but just as the German Shepherd is not indigenous to the US there are those of us who could never dream of life without them in it.

I encourage you to learn more about exotics as, if nothing else, I think you'll find their history, culture (because each has its own), and personalities fascinating. As our world continues to grow and we continue to reduce the sizes of natural habitats 100 years from now the only way some species might survive is by becoming part of our families...what are your thoughts?