A Nigerian journalist and social commentator, Kemi Olunloyo, has cautioned against accepting wild animals as pets, warning of potential dangers to public safety.
In a statement shared on Facebook, Olunloyo advised a social media personality, VeryDarkMan, to exercise caution, stressing that such gestures could be a “set-up.”
“Dear VDM, never accept pets from a stranger. It may be a set-up,” she said.
She further warned that honey badgers, also known as ratel badgers, are not suitable for domestication due to their aggressive nature.
“Honey badgers are not domestic animals; they are aggressive and become even more aggressive in captivity,” she added.
Olunloyo also raised health concerns, urging that the animal be examined for rabies at a veterinary clinic to prevent possible harm.
“Ensure it is checked for rabies at a veterinary clinic before it bites anyone. Please be careful with this ratel badger,” she said.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over the handling of wild animals as pets and the risks they pose to individuals and communities.
