Dik-Dik – Eastern and Southern Africa

Dik-diks, the miniature antelopes, were once kept as pets in some parts of the world due to their adorable and cuddly appearance. In the ’30s and ’40s, they were popular as exotic pets, and several private owners had them. However, the practice of keeping these animals began to decline in the ’50s and ’60s due to growing awareness of the detrimental effects of captivity on wild animals.

In the United States, possessing dik-diks as pets is now strictly regulated, and permits are required to own them. Additionally, several countries, including Kenya and Tanzania, have banned the export of these creatures to discourage the trade in exotic pets.