Peruvian Pasos, Exotic Horses

For as long as I can remember I have been a horse crazy girl. Neither of my parents were horse people so it was rather hard to convince them to buy me a horse, however I did manage to convince them to get me riding lessons. The riding lessons were your typical English riding lessons, done in groups on lesson horses.

 

One year the stable, which was in Edmonton, hosted a showcase of different horse breeds. One of the breeds that attended were Peruvian Pasos. While horses are not really “exotic pets” the Peruvian Paso certainly qualifies as an exotic type of horse.

The Peruvian Paso not only looks exotic but has two very unique gaits for which it was bred. These gaits are the Paso Llano and the Sobreando. Both are four beat lateral gaits, left hind, left front, right hind, right front. The Sobreando is slightly faster with a pause between the second and third step.

At the showcase of the breeds there were a few Peruvians, the one I remember best (this was almost 30 years ago) was a Palomino named Gato del Sol, cat of the sun. I remember him because I actually got to ride him. As part of the breed showcase people were allowed to ride some of the horses. I rode him (this being only for a few minutes) but wow I can honestly say he was smooth like silk. He also had a beautiful thick mane and tail; characteristics of the breed. They do not even cut a bridal path.

photo source - The gaits of the Peruvian Paso are natural and foals perform them from a young age, it almost looks like a trot here, but is not.

All in all these are very showy, beautiful, horses which, I think, qualifies them as exotic!

Peruvian Pasos are fairly rare, with less than 30,000 worldwide. Peruvian Paso horses originated in Peru but there are several breeders in the States and Canada (at least two breeders right here in Alberta). Some breeders have been criticized for trying to change the breed. Horses should stand between 14.1 and 15.2 hands but some people want to make them taller, others try to make them faster and have altered the gait too much in the opinion of other purist breeders. If you are looking for a Peruvian Paso try to familiarize yourself with the breed and only buy from a breeder who is sticking with correct breed standard.

To see more pictures and learn more about the Peruvian Paso, Read Here.

If you are a kid and want to try to convince your parents to buy you a horse (good luck) you can Read Here.

New Monkey Discovered in Brazil

The Brazilian Amazon is one of the few places on the earth that is relatively untouched by man.  Recently explorer, and biologist Julio Dalponte discovered a new species of titi monkey in this area.  This monkey had different markings on its face and tail than other previously know members of the genus, as such it was determined to be a new, previously unknown type of titi monkey.

Titi monkeys have a small body and long tail, which is not prehensile (meaning they do not use their tail to grip).  They travel by jumping from tree to tree and typically sleep at night.

Titi monkeys have been observed to be monogamous, mating for life.  The males have an interesting role in caring for young titi monkeys as they do most of the parenting, bringing the baby to the mother only for feeding.  They tend to live in small family groups.

Of course very little is known about this new species, which is actually one of several discovered since 2000.  Hopefully we can preserve the habitat for this animal, and protect it from being exploited in the pet trade.

You can read more about the discovery of the new titi monkey here at WWF's website.  The site does have a picture which I could not use as it is copyright owned by the photographer. 

Suspected Extinct Rainbow Toad Found

A toad not seen since 1924 has been sighted at last and captured in pictures.  The Borneo Rainbow Toad had not been sighted in 87 years and was on the list of Top 10 Wanted Lost Frogs, when at last 3 individuals were spotted, and photographed by researchers who were specifically looking for new, or endangered, species.

The researchers forwarded their photos of the Borneo Rainbow toad to Robin Moore of Conservation International, who had lauched the campaign to find these little guys, and others, under the name of Global Search for Lost Amphibians.  The discovery is huge, but the location of the find will be kept secret.  There are concerns that the toads will be exploited in the Pet Trade, captured to be sold as extremely rare exotic pets.

The toads were actually discovered August of 2010, but the news was not released until recently.  Scientists had to be sure they had the right toads before making the announcement.  The Borneo Rainbow Toad goes by the scientific name of Ansonia latidisca and measure up to 2 inches long (51 cm).

Ambibians are very much under threat of extinction, with many species listed as Endangered or Threated.  Pollution and habitat loss are major threats to their survival.  Most people around the world are noticing that they are encountering frogs and toads (and other amphibians) in the wild far less than they did even 10 or 20 years ago. 

The pet trade is also responsible for some amphibian disappearances - people should be aware that in most areas it is illegal to catch, and keep, and wild animal, including frogs, toads, and salamanders.  These animals should be kept in the wild.  If you are looking to get a pet toad, frog, or salamander, it is always best to buy from a breeder rather than risk buying from a place that gets them from the wild.

To Read the story on Yahoo!News click here.
To See picures of the Borneo Rainbow Toad click here.

We at the cabin are thrilled at the rediscovery of this tiny being, and hope that their location remain a secret so populations can recover.

Innisfail Odd and Unusual Animal and Bird Auction

If you are in Alberta and looking for an odd or unusual exotic pet, the Innisfail Odd and Unusual Animal and Bird Auction is not to be missed.  This is a three day event that happens twice a year, Easter weekend, and Thanksgiving weekend.

As seen at the Innisfail Auction

The Easter sale will begin on Good Friday, with goats and sheep selling in the day.  Later in the evening Aniques, Collectables, and most caged pets will sell (sometimes including some caged birds), this is often hedgehogs, sugar gliders, guinea pigs, and a few reptiles, but can be animals such as wallabies.  Many exotic pets sell at this time - different every auction!

On Saturday, the other birds will sell, these being exotic chickens, pheasants, peafowl, emus, and who-knows-what!  Rabbits will also sell on Saturday.  Many caged birds also sell on Saturday.

On Easter Sunday, the miniature horses, exotic cattle, llamas, and other large mammals (bison, elk) will sell. 

The Thanksgiving weekend sales run the same way, Friday to Sunday.

Pheasant we purchased at the Innisfail auction.

Anything is possible - it all depends what sellers bring.  I have attended many of these sales, we have seen many exotic pets and animals at this sale, every thing from tiny baby snakes, to a halter trained bison.  We  have seen rare breeds of livestock, and a few regular ones!

Zebu seen at the Innisfail Auction

Some exotic pets that are auctioned off require special permits to own, (such as migratory birds, or primates) so make sure you bring your permits if you plan on buying certain exotics.  Come early to have a look around, get your bidder number, and find a seat.  If you are selling - come even earlier!

Innisfail is just south of Red Deer, Alberta, on highway 2, about an hour north of Calgary.  The auction market is just off the highway at the south end of town. 

To see Other Sales Dates - click here.

Further Reading

Buying and Selling at Exotic Animal Auctions
Starting a Petting Zoo
How to get a Better Price for your Horse, when Selling at Auction

The Shaggy Donkey of France

One of the rarest donkeys is the shaggy Poitou Donkey of France.

Here at the cabin we enjoy sharing information about such unusual animals, ones that many people will never see in their lifetime, but hopefully whose species can be saved.

In France these shaggy donkeys are called Baudet du Poitou. These donkeys are so rare there are less than 300 purebreds even today.

photo source

The Baudet de Poitou is a fairly large donkey, standing 13 to 15 hands high (a hand is 4 inches or 10 cm). The most recognizable feature is their long hair, known as “cadenette” which hangs down like dreadlocks. In color they are always dark brown or black, but with a white tummy and nose.  The Baudet de Poitou donkey has lighter hairs around the eyes. They lack the dark dorsal stripe seen in most other breeds. Their long hair is a dominant trait and crossbred animals will have this feature as well.  

Because the long hair is dominant it means that part bred animals will have the long hair so unscrupulous sellers might try to suggest their part-bred Poitou is in fact a purebred, always get proof of parentage with registration papers.  Like most animals these hairy donkeys cannot legally be called purebreds unless they have registration papers proving the same.   





Read more about these shaggy donkeys - click here.
To read about the differences between horses, mules, and donkeys - click here.
To read a true story about my standard donkey - click here.

10 Funky Farm Animals

As much fun as exotic pets are, imagine owning an exotic livestock animal.  People seldom give thought to owning exotic farm animals.. mostly because a lot of people do not have the land needed, but many hobby farmers are taking a liking to owning exotic, and rare breed, farm animals.  Here, at the cabin, we use some hair sheep to keep the grass trimmed down nice and short.  Oh look, there is a nice young ram chewing the grass right now!

Read Here About other Funky Farm Animals