The Elephant In The Living Room

In 2005, the Humane Society of the United States estimated that 5,000 tigers were in private ownership in the United States, many as household pets -- a quantity greater than the number of tigers that still exist in the wild. The trend of exotic pet ownership in the U.S. has increased dramatically in recent years, ranging from “big cats” (lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars) to poisonous snakes and reptiles, small primates, bears, and even elephants. There’s no arguing the beauty and charisma of these animals, but is it good for the animals, the owners, and the community at large to keep them as pets? Documentary filmmaker Michael Webber takes a deep look into the i...