From the Wild, For Trade examines India’s growing exotic pet trade and the hidden costs of turning wildlife into pets. The series traces how animals move from forests and breeding facilities through international trafficking networks, dealers and online markets into Indian homes. It investigates the demand for unusual species, the legal frameworks governing their trade and ownership, and the gaps in enforcement and monitoring. It also examines the risks of zoonotic disease, invasive species, animal welfare and abandonment, while looking at what happens when exotic animals are seized, surrendered or released. Through case studies and expert voices, the series asks what happens when wild animals become commodities.
