Traders are making a roaring business at Souk Al-Khouba in Al-Harth province, Jazan, selling wild animals including foxes, cheetahs and various types of snakes.
The animals at the 100-year-old market reportedly attract local and international visitors and customers.
Ahmed Atteen, who sells various types of predators, spoke of his hobby: “I loved collecting wild animals such as cheetahs, hyenas, wolves and foxes. I then decided to invest in this hobby to make money,” he said.
Atteen either buys or hunts for the animals he sells, mostly to zoo owners. He hunts for hyena and normally catches them by their ears in their caves. It is a more complicated business hunting cheetahs. He has to set special traps for them and ensure he does not make any mistakes because it could cost him his life.
A cheetah sells for between SR1,500 and SR2,500 while a pair of wild rabbits fetches SR150, he said.
Roaring trade for wild and exotic animals in Jazan
