Whether it's the playful antics of a cat, the loyalty of a dog, or the serene beauty of fish swimming in an aquarium, pets enrich our lives in many ways.

However, a recent surge in the ownership of exotic pets in Auckland has raised concerns about their impact on the local environment.

Exotic pet owners often underestimate the responsibility that comes with caring for these animals.

While they may provide companionship and fascination, exotic pets can wreak havoc on the delicate balance of Auckland's ecosystems if released into the wild.

Fish enthusiasts, for example, may innocently release their pet fish into local waterways, unaware of the ecological havoc it can cause.

Exotic fish species, accustomed to controlled aquarium environments, can disrupt native ecosystems by outcompeting local species for resources, introducing diseases, and degrading water quality.

Preventing this harm is simple: never release pet fish into the wild and ensure outdoor ponds are secure.

Similarly, pet birds, especially when allowed to escape, can disrupt native bird populations and ecosystems.

Escapees may introduce diseases, compete for resources, and disrupt nesting sites of native bird species.

Responsible bird owners must ensure their pets are securely contained and take precautions to prevent escapes.

Turtles, another popular exotic pet, pose a threat when released into waterways.

Red-eared slider turtles, for instance, can grow to the size of dinner plates and consume a wide variety of aquatic plants and animals, further straining already stressed ecosystems.

Long-lived and often outgrowing their aquarium homes, these turtles should never be released into the wild.

Even exotic lizards, though less common as pets, can become a problem when released into the environment.

Escaped lizards may establish invasive populations, spreading diseases and competing with native species for resources.

Owners unable to care for their lizards should seek assistance from exotic animal rescue organisations.

The University of Auckland's research estimates that hundreds of pet birds are on the loose in Auckland at any given time, particularly in the summer months.

Despite owners' best intentions, these escapees pose a risk to native wildlife and ecosystems.

Rescue organisations include

• Bird Rescue Centre
• North Shore Turtle, Reptile & Amphibian Rescue
• Be Kind Exotic Animal Rescue 

As Auckland's population grows, so does the responsibility of its residents to protect the environment.

Being a responsible pet owner means more than just providing food and shelter; it means safeguarding the natural world from the unintended consequences of pet ownership.

By educating themselves about the needs of exotic pets and taking proactive steps to prevent their release into the wild, Aucklanders can ensure that their love for animals does not come at the expense of the environment.

As the saying goes, with great pets comes great responsibility.