A
All across the nation，in Americans’ backyards and garages and living rooms, wild animals kept as pets live side by side with their human owners. It’s believed that more exotic animals live in American homes than are cared for in American zoos. The exotic-pet business has drawn criticism from animal welfare advocates and wildlife conservationists alike, who say it’s not only dangerous to bring wildlife into households but it’s cruel and criminal. Yet the issue is far from black or white.
The term exotic pet has no firm definition. It can refer to any wildlife kept in human households or simply to a pet that’s more unusual than the common dog or cat. Privately owning exotic animals is currently permitted in a handful of states with no restrictions in America. Adam Roberts of Born Free USA keeps a running database of deaths and injuries caused by exotic-pet ownership: In Connecticut a 55-year-old woman’s face was permanently disfigured by her friend’s lifelong pet monkey；in Ohio an 80-year-old man was attacked by a 200-pound kangaroo；in Nebraska a 34-year-old man was strangled(勒)to death by his pet snake. And that list does not include the number of people who become sick from coming into contact with zoonotic(动物传染的) diseases.
Some people see wild animals as pets as a way to connect with the natural world. Other exotic-pet owners say they are motivated by a desire to preserve threatened species. They believe climate change and human population growth could wipe out a species in record time, so having a backup population is a good idea.
But some groups like Born Free USA and the World Wildlife Fund say that captive breeding(圈养)of endangered species by private owners—whether for commercial, conservation, or educational reasons—serves only to continue a booming market for exotic animals. That, in turn, results in a greater risk to animals still living in their natural habitat.
21. Which word can replace the phrase “far from black or white” in Paragraph 1?
A. contradictory B. ridiculous C. controversial D. universal
22. What’s the main idea of Paragraph 3?
A. The reasons for keeping exotic animals as pets.
B. The concerns about the endangered wild animals.
C. The different opinions between people who keep exotic pets.
D. The disadvantages of privately owning exotic animals.
23. The last paragraph of the text is intended to_______.
A. introduce some animal protection groups
B. argue against keeping exotic animals in captivity
C. warn people of the danger of animals being caught
D. prove captive breeding can encourage exotic-pet business
