A report highlights the range of exotic and potentially dangerous animals being kept as pets in ordinary homes, with examples cited including lions, crocodiles and even an elephant. The findings draw attention to how such animals end up in private hands and the welfare and safety questions this raises, an issue that has drawn scrutiny from animal welfare campaigners and regulators concerned about inadequate housing, licensing gaps and risks to both owners and the public.

The specific cases mentioned span from big cats to reptiles and unusually, a fully grown elephant, illustrating the extremes to which exotic pet ownership can stretch beyond conventional animals. The article underscores ongoing concerns about the adequacy of current licensing rules for dangerous wild animals kept domestically, and the practical and ethical difficulties of housing such creatures safely in residential settings.