A measure that passed the Illinois House this week would add to the list of outlawed animals in the state.
They include kangaroos and wallabies, indigenous to Australia and New Guinea, as well as servals and caracals, both wild cats native to Africa.
House Bill 4446 is a response to several aggressive animal encounters, said the bill's sponsor Daniel Didech (D-Buffalo Grove).
"We are not closing petting zoos in Illinois," said Didech. "This is actually a very serious bill that was brought to me by law enforcement."
Petting zoos and films made in Illinois would be exempt, as long as the animals are under the care of a licensed handler. The penalty for owning one of the animals would stay a Class C misdemeanor.
The bill now heads to the Senate. It's one of about 300 bills that passed the House this week before a Friday procedural deadline.