PokeMed #1--The Ethics of Keeping Pikachu (Mus pikachuris) in Captivity
Following a series of both television and movie appearances, many Pokemon have become increasingly common in captivity. However, none have been thrust into the spotlight more than pikachu (Mus pikachuris), which has become arguably the most recognizable Pokemon in the world. There has been a rise in pikachu ownership amongst pet owners and non-professional Pokemon trainers since the electric mouse’s stunning defeat of charizard in the World Championships this year. Despite its small size and cuteness, many experts are concerned about the implications of rising numbers of amateur pikachu ownership.
Pikachu is a member of the family Muridae, which includes other familiar rodent pokemon like the closely related pichu (Mus pikachuris domesticus) and the distantly related raichu (Dipodomys raichii). They are social Pokemon, found in forested regions around the world. They were previously considered “Least Concern” by the IUCN, but poaching for the pet trade has led to pikachu becoming listed as “Threatened” worldwide, and it is now extinct in many regions where they were once considered overabundant, including Viridian Forest. They are omnivores, with a preference for fruits such as berries and apples. They have been shown to preferentially choose red colored foods.
Unlike the domesticated pichu, which has been selectively bred for generations to live safely in human homes, pikachu retains all of its wild instincts. While the maximum output of electricity from a pikachu is unknown, the average output from its thunderbolt is around 100,000 volts. The current record holder managed a supercharged attack measuring at nearly 10,000,000 volts (for comparison, lightning generates around 300 million volts). That is incredibly dangerous to have in a normal household, particularly considering many pikachu are being purchased as gifts for children. Additionally, these pikachu are often wild caught, which means most of them die very young from illness/poor husbandry, or adapt poorly to captivity. Despite their cute appearance, wild pikachu can be incredibly aggressive and temperamental. Fatal shocks are rare, but paralysis, severe burns, and cardiac arrhythmias have all been reported.
Most households are poorly equipped to provide a pikachu with the husbandry and diet that they need to thrive. Pikachu do best when housed with at least one other pikachu, but they prefer larger groups. When housed alone, they can become stressed and ill. Lonely pikachu won’t sleep well, which means they won’t properly charge. Pikachu that don’t charge properly, or that don’t have appropriate outlets for releasing their charge, end up with serious complications. They may discharge their electricity at random, causing serious injury or property damage. Poor diet is another major concern for captive pikachu. It is a common misconception that pikachu should eat ketchup! While ketchup is safe as a very rare treat (i.e. for hiding medications or as a very high value treat for training), it should not be a part of a pikachu’s regular diet. Pikachu overfed ketchup are often obese and suffering from various vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Another major issue with keeping wild pikachu in captivity is the unethical practice of de-shocking. While it used to be common practice for captive electric Pokemon, newer science has proven that this practice is inhumane, painful, and can lead to long term complications. De-shocking may sound like a minimally invasive procedure, but it actually involves cutting major nerves that attach to the pikachu’s cheek pouch to prevent the build up and expulsion of charges. Pikachu that cannot shock often become increasingly aggressive or depressed. Remember that discharging electricity isn’t just defensive; it is also a very important part of communication and territory marking for pikachu and other electric rodent Pokemon. De-shocked pikachu will still try to cheek rub, showing how ingrained the behavior really is.
Pikachu ownership should be left to the professionals. Proper permitting is required, though shady breeders and poachers often forgo this important step. The desire to own this charismatic Pokemon has led to decreasing wild populations, and an increasing population of unhealthy captive pikachu. Sanctuaries are overflowing with pikachu who were surrendered after shocking the family’s kids, or accidentally causing a thunderstorm to form in the backyard. PokeVets have been reporting an increased number of pikachu patients, most of which have serious husbandry and health issues. Leave pikachu in the wild, or in the hands of professional trainers, where they belong.
