The Changing Fortunes of Wild and Captive Animals in China [Slide Show]
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7 Songbirds are for sale in the adjacent park—as well as the market itself—fluttering from perch to perch in cages of wood or wire. David Biello
6 A horned beetle chews on sweet gum as it waits for a future owner. David Biello
5 The silkworm is a traditional Chinese pet. Fed a diet of mulberry leaves, it spins valuable silk. David Biello
4 Ducklings in boxes provide a plethora of choice for the shoppers looking for companionship—and fresh meat. David Biello
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3 Plenty of yellow frogs are available as pets—or as food for bigger animals. David Biello
2 Turtles are lucky, too, and these are particularly fortunate not be on the menu as turtle meat is considered a delicacy, as well. David Biello
1 Crickets are considered a lucky pet by the Chinese, and their chirping fills the air throughout the day at this animal market in Beijing. David Biello
![The Changing Fortunes of Wild and Captive Animals in China [Slide Show]](https://static.scientificamerican.com/sciam/cache/file/F860A7A3-32DD-404C-B112403C3CF3F229.jpg?w=590&h=393)
