If you’re planning to have a Tokay gecko as your pet, the first challenge you will encounter is knowing where and how to buy it. Geckos, specifically Tokays, are becoming a threatened species because of the massive hunting. If you’re in Asia, purchasing a healthy gecko can be easy and expensive. But if you live in the US or in any western country, you may experience a difficult time doing so.
So where can you buy geckos?
Online Marketplace
When purchasing geckos, the first thing you need to know is what type or specie you intend to buy. There are over 1,200 types of gecko in the world and even though they have similarities, they have their own unique characteristics and personalities. Tokay geckos, being the most popular among the types that are going near extinction are normally found in Asian countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Philippines. In these countries, Tokays normally reside in tropical forests. Sometimes, they even live in residential houses. So if you know of an Asian friend, maybe you can seek help in buying your own Tokay gecko. But, transporting and selling Tokay geckos particularly in the Philippines (where Tokays are most abundant) is a prohibited act. In order to buy one, both the buyer and the seller should obtain a license.
If you’re based in America or Europe, the easiest way to go is the World Wide Web. A website called tokaygeckos.org for instance is one of the most popular online marketplaces for geckos. But before you go to this site, make sure that you have already obtained a license to buy Tokays. Otherwise, they will not entertain you. This website is a legitimate trading center so they only deal with accredited Southeast Asian sellers and international buyers. The prices vary and they depend on the size, weight, and condition of the Tokay. Expect a higher bid for Tokays that have been handled properly by the seller. The giant Tokay (which weighs 64kg!) found in the island of Borneo in Indonesia purportedly cost $17M. Yes, that’s how high the price tag can be.
Local Pet Shops and Breeders
Sometimes, it’s really hard to buy a gecko online because you don’t have the chance to see it for yourself until such time that you have paid for it already. If you don’t want to shop for geckos in the internet, you can try looking for local breeders in your area. For sure there are people who, like you, love geckos too. The Tokay gecko industry is blooming and because of the huge potential profit involved, many breeders or exotic animals are becoming more interested in raising and breeding Tokay geckos. You can also visit local pet stores. They may not have the geckos you’re looking for but they may be able to provide you referrals to find local breeders.
You can buy a small Tokay gecko for around $20. The price can go up depending on the factors we mentioned awhile ago. Before you start shopping around, make sure to educate yourself about the best way of taming and taking care of this wonderful creature. They’re not toys that you can simple throw away once you realized they’re not for you. Taking care of a pet – reptile or not necessitates love, commitment, and responsibility.
