Exotix Zoo | exotixzoo.com
Last updated: 1 June 2026

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of Exotix Zoo (exotixzoo.com), a web product owned and operated by AquaHelix.video, a sole proprietorship in South Africa (“we”, “us”, “our”).

By registering an account or using any part of this platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you may not use the platform.

Exotix Zoo operates two distinct services on the same platform:

• The Marketplace — a classified advertising and directory service where users post and browse advertisements for exotic animals, plants, and related items. Exotix Zoo is not a party to any transaction that takes place between buyers and sellers through the Marketplace.
• The Store — an online retail store where Exotix Zoo sells physical products (pet supplies, accessories, and related goods) directly to customers. Exotix Zoo is the seller in all Store transactions.

Different terms apply to each service where indicated.

2. Eligibility

You must be 18 years of age or older to register an account or use this platform. By registering, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old.

We reserve the right to suspend or delete any account we have reasonable grounds to believe belongs to a person under the age of 18, following a reasonable investigation process as described in our Privacy Policy.

3. Accounts

3.1  Registration

To access most features of the platform, you must register an account. You may register as a Private user (individual) or a Business user (company or organisation).

3.2  Account Information

You agree to provide accurate, complete, and current information at registration and to keep this information up to date. Providing false or misleading information is grounds for immediate account suspension.

3.3  Phone Number

A valid phone number is required at registration. This is a mandatory anti-fraud and anti-scam measure. Your phone number may be displayed on your public listings. See our Privacy Policy for more detail on how your phone number is handled.

3.4  Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials. You are responsible for all activity that occurs under your account. If you suspect unauthorised access, notify us immediately at info@exotixzoo.com.

3.5  One Account Per User

Each user may hold one account. Creating multiple accounts to circumvent bans, limits, or platform rules is prohibited and will result in all associated accounts being permanently suspended.

3.6  Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate any account at our sole discretion, with or without notice, for conduct that violates these Terms or that we determine to be harmful to the platform, its users, or third parties.

4. Marketplace — Classified Advertisements

4.1  Platform Role

Exotix Zoo provides a platform for users to post and browse classified advertisements. We are not a buyer, seller, agent, or broker in any transaction between users. We do not inspect, verify, warrant, or guarantee any listing, animal, plant, or item advertised on the platform.

4.2  Advertiser Responsibility

By posting a listing, you confirm that:

• You are the lawful owner of the animal, plant, or item being advertised, or are legally authorised to sell or transfer it
• The animal, plant, or item complies with all applicable South African national and provincial laws, including but not limited to the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), the Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations, and applicable provincial ordinances
• You hold all required permits, licences, and authorisations for the species or item being advertised
• The listing is accurate, complete, and not misleading

4.3  Permit Compliance

It is the sole responsibility of the advertiser to ensure legal compliance with all applicable permit and ownership requirements. Exotix Zoo does not verify permits and takes no responsibility for the legal status of any listed animal, plant, or item. Buyers are encouraged to request proof of permits before completing any transaction.

4.4  Prohibited Listings

The following are strictly prohibited on the Marketplace:

• Animals, plants, or items whose sale, possession, or transfer is prohibited under South African law without the required permits or authorisations, where those permits or authorisations are not held
• CITES Appendix I species offered for commercial trade in violation of applicable law
• Stolen animals, plants, or items
• Animals that have been illegally captured from the wild
• Listings that are fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading in any material way
• Duplicate listings for the same animal or item
• Listings for domestic cats and dogs (these are outside the scope of the platform)

4.5  No Transaction Involvement

Exotix Zoo is not involved in, and takes no responsibility for, any transaction, agreement, payment, delivery, dispute, or legal issue arising between buyers and sellers through the Marketplace. All transactions are conducted directly between the buyer and seller at their own risk.

4.6  Listing Removal

We reserve the right to remove any listing at our sole discretion, without notice, if we determine that it violates these Terms, applicable law, or the spirit of the platform. Removal of a listing does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing.

5. Marketplace — Buyer Conduct

5.1  Due Diligence

Buyers are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before entering into any transaction. This includes verifying the seller’s identity, confirming the legal status of the animal or item, and requesting proof of any required permits.

5.2  No Guarantee

Exotix Zoo makes no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy, completeness, or legality of any listing. We do not endorse any seller or listing on the platform.

5.3  Disputes

Any dispute arising from a Marketplace transaction is solely between the buyer and the seller. Exotix Zoo will not mediate, arbitrate, or otherwise intervene in disputes between users.

6. The Store

6.1  Store Products

The Exotix Zoo Store sells physical pet supplies, accessories, and related goods. Products are fulfilled by approved vendors on behalf of Exotix Zoo. All transactions are between the customer and Exotix Zoo — vendors are not visible to customers and have no direct relationship with customers.

6.2  Pricing

All prices are displayed in South African Rand (ZAR) and include any applicable taxes unless otherwise stated. We reserve the right to change prices at any time without notice. The price at the time of your order is the price you will be charged.

6.3  Orders

An order placed through the Store constitutes an offer to purchase. We reserve the right to cancel or refuse any order at our discretion, including in cases of pricing errors, stock unavailability, or suspected fraud. You will be notified and refunded if your order is cancelled.

6.4  Payment

Payment is processed through third-party payment providers (PayPal, Paystack). By placing an order, you authorise us to charge the total order amount to your selected payment method. We do not store card details.

6.5  Shipping

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on your delivery address. We currently ship within South Africa only. Delivery times are estimates and are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for delays caused by courier services or events outside our control.

6.6  Returns and Refunds

We want you to be satisfied with your purchase. Our returns policy is as follows:

• You may return an unopened, unused product in its original packaging within 7 days of receipt for a full refund, excluding shipping costs.
• Products that are damaged, defective, or incorrectly supplied must be reported to us within 48 hours of receipt at store@exotixzoo.com with photographic evidence. We will arrange a replacement or refund at our discretion.
• We do not accept returns of perishable goods (such as live food or fresh produce) unless the product arrived in an unsatisfactory condition, reported within 48 hours of receipt.
• Refunds will be processed to the original payment method within a reasonable time, typically 5–10 business days depending on your payment provider.

6.7  Vendor Fulfilment

Products in the Store are fulfilled by approved vendors. While we take reasonable steps to ensure vendor reliability, we cannot guarantee uninterrupted stock availability. If a product becomes unavailable after your order is placed, we will notify you and offer a full refund or suitable alternative.

7. User Conduct

7.1 General Prohibited Conduct

All users of the platform agree not to:

• Post false, misleading, or fraudulent content
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
• Attempt to circumvent any security or access control measures
• Use the platform for any unlawful purpose
• Scrape, copy, or reproduce platform content without our written permission
• Impersonate another person or entity
• Post spam, unsolicited commercial messages, or repetitive content
• Attempt to manipulate search rankings, reviews, or ratings

Violation of these rules may result in immediate account suspension and, where appropriate, referral to law enforcement.

7.2 Threats, Harassment, and Reporting

Members are strictly prohibited from threatening, coercing, or intimidating other members in any form. This includes threats of reporting to authorities, animal welfare organisations, or any third party, and threats relating to the confiscation or seizure of any animal. Such conduct constitutes harassment and will result in immediate and permanent account termination without notice or refund of any fees paid. Exotix Zoo reserves the right to pursue further legal action where applicable.

Exotix Zoo is not an enforcement platform and will not be used as one. Members do not have the right to police, judge, or interfere with another member’s lawful ownership or care of their animals. Unsolicited complaints, accusations, warnings, or uninvited advice posted publicly or sent privately between members are prohibited and will be treated as harassment.

The only exception is visible, documented evidence of neglect, injury, or abuse, which may be reported to the site administrator only through the designated reporting function. No other complaints will be entertained.

Members are reminded that animals are legally recognised as property under South African law. No member has any authority — legal or otherwise — to threaten, initiate, or encourage the seizure or confiscation of another member’s property. Anyone attempting to do so will be removed from the platform immediately and permanently.

Exotix Zoo exists to serve the exotic animal community. Those who cannot respect fellow members and their lawful rights as animal owners are not welcome on this platform.

8. Intellectual Property

8.1  Platform Content

All content on exotixzoo.com that is not user-generated — including design, layout, logos, text, and code — is owned by AquaHelix.video and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used without our written permission.

8.2  User Content

By posting content on the platform (listings, images, reviews, comments), you grant AquaHelix.video a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to display, reproduce, and distribute that content on the platform and in related promotional material. You retain ownership of your content.

You confirm that any content you post does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by South African law:

• Exotix Zoo and AquaHelix.video are not liable for any loss, damage, injury, or expense arising from your use of the platform, including but not limited to losses arising from Marketplace transactions, reliance on listing information, or the conduct of other users.
• We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages.
• Our total liability to you for any claim arising from your use of the Store shall not exceed the amount you paid for the relevant order.

Nothing in these Terms limits liability for death, personal injury, or fraud caused by our negligence or wilful misconduct.

10. Disclaimers

• The platform is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, express or implied.
• We do not warrant that the platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components.
• We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or fitness for purpose of any listing or content posted by users.
• We are not responsible for the actions, content, or conduct of any user of the platform.

11. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless AquaHelix.video, its officers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the platform
• Any listing you post on the Marketplace
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any applicable law, including permit and wildlife regulations
• Any dispute between you and another user

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any dispute arising from these Terms or your use of the platform shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the South African courts.

13. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The updated version will be published on this page with a revised date. Continued use of the platform after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. We recommend checking this page periodically.

14. Contact Us

For any queries relating to these Terms:

Email: info@exotixzoo.com
Website: exotixzoo.com