AN obsession with animals when he was 10 led to Steve Yong becoming an exotic pet dealer 30 years later.
He would be glued to the television, watching documentaries on animals.
His fascination grew into a love for exotic pets.
“Coming from a conservative Chinese family, having an exotic pet was a big no but it did not stop me from starting an exotic pet store,” Yong said at his ExoReptiles Malaysia store in Kuala Lumpur.
“I started this business when I was 28.
“It is an interest-driven and not a business-oriented operation.”
Life as an exotic pet dealer means Yong has to be knowledgeable about the species he keeps to ensure they survive in captivity.
He has to devote at least eight hours a day to the animals under his care.
“I will wear suitable clothes with long pants and water-resistant footwear since I am dealing with exotic creatures,” he said.
“I ensure the cages are suitable with the right amount of lighting.
“My staff and I replenish their food and water supply three times every day.”
Yong said it is more difficult to run an exotic pet store compared to a conventional pet shop due to the various special needs of the animals.
He said there was an increase in demand for exotic pets like snakes and chameleons since information on caring for them can be found on the internet and numerous wildlife documentaries.
“Even children these days know a lot of information on wildlife species,” he said, adding that people were not so apprehensive of such animals now.
“In the past, most people had a negative perception of snakes.
“They thought all snakes were venomous and have to be killed.
“Not all snakes are poisonous.”
Yong advised pet owners to ensure the right room temperature, facilities and feeding frequency.
“Don’t buy on impulse. You need to know what you are buying and have a proper set-up for the animals.”
Yong said about 80% of his customers are in their 20s and 30s.
“Corn snakes, ball pythons, tortoise and iguanas are popular among my local customers,” he said.
