Celebrities have access to unbelievable wealth. Some of them flaunt this by buying rare and unusual pets. Many are genuine animal lovers and want to care for their favorite creatures. However, for others, it’s a performative act, and they’re only buying these animals as status symbols. Let’s look at some of the most iconic and notorious celebrity exotic pets ever.
1. Mike Tyson’s Tiger
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is one of the most notorious pop culture figures ever. He lived a lavish lifestyle when he was at the peak of his boxing career. One of his most extravagant indulgences was three Bengal tigers. He was the Tiger King before the hit Netflix show became famous.
Tyson decided to give them to a sanctuary after one of the big cats ripped off an intruder’s arm. Tigers don’t make good pets because they’re apex predators. However, they are an endangered species, so they do need protection. Zoos and conservation-focused animal sanctuaries are the safest places for tigers outside of their natural environment.
2. Salma Hayek’s Owl
Salma Hayek’s owl is one of the most unusual pets in Hollywood. The Mexican actress obtained the bird of prey from a rescue center and gave her the name Kering. Originally, Kering was a gift for Hayek’s husband, but she admits that was just an excuse to buy her. Kering is a Southern White-Faced Owl, a species native to the southern half of Africa.
The superstar says that it’s a privilege to have Kering in her life. She did a lot of research before she brought her quirky pet home. Hayek says that she’s learned many interesting facts about owls. It’s difficult to train them, but she has a great connection with Kering. Hayek even meditates with her pet owl on her head!
3. George Clooney’s Pig
George Clooney’s pig, Max, was almost as much of a Hollywood icon as he was. The legendary actor devoted himself to his beloved porcine pet. Clooney chose Max over two of his former girlfriends and took the pot-bellied pig on John Travolta’s yacht. The pair enjoyed a close relationship until Max’s passing at the ripe age of 18.
Pot-bellied pigs originate from Vietnam and make excellent companions. Pigs are intelligent and affectionate, so it’s no wonder why Clooney bonded with Max. Sometimes sellers advertise them as miniature pigs, but this isn’t accurate. They can be as heavy as 200 pounds and require special training.
4. Nicole Kidman’s Alpacas
Kidman is one of the most famous actresses of her generation. Surprisingly, she eschews the glamour and glitz of Hollywood. Instead, she prefers to enjoy the good life on her $6.5 million Australian ranch. She owns many types of animals with her husband, Keith Urban. But Kidman’s four alpacas are her favorites because she loves their long lashes.
Alpacas make excellent therapy animals because of their gentle nature. They produce high-quality wool and are also brilliant at guarding smaller farm animals, like sheep, from predators. Kidman regularly posts photos of her alpacas on social media. She enjoys their company and spends her time on the farm when she’s not shooting movies.
5. Dominic Monaghan’s Snakes
Dominic Monaghan adores animals and owns several snakes. He even presented a TV show: “Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan.” One of Monaghan’s favorite reptiles is his python, Mojave. He even famously talked about his beloved pet on the “Ellen DeGeneres Show.”
Monaghan is a massive advocate of misunderstood breeds like spiders and rats. He uses his platform to explain why these species have roles to play in their ecosystems. Ironically, the former “Lost” star had allergies to cats and dogs, but they don’t affect him so badly now. Maybe that’s why he feels so fond of reptiles and creepy crawlies.
6. Paris Hilton’s Kinkajou
Here’s one of the most unusual animals on this list. Kinkajous are carnivorous raccoon-like mammals from Central and South America. Their nickname “honey bear” suggests that they’re gentle and sweet. This has also helped them to become popular as exotic pets. However, while they generally have a calm temperament, they can be aggressive. Paris Hilton’s kinkajou notoriously even bit her.
The socialite was playing with her kinkajou when it became overexcited and nipped her. She received a tetanus shot after the incident but didn’t blame the animal. This is one of the risks of owning exotic pets. Often, they are not fully domesticated and their instincts rise to the surface when owners least expect it.
7. Kristen Stewart’s Wolf-Dogs
Many people associate Kristen Stewart with wolves because of the “Twilight” franchise. However, she loves the animal in real life and even grew up with hybrid wolf-dogs. This controversial breed results from mating dogs like Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes with wolves. Many North American states classify them as wild animals and ban them as pets. Stewart’s mother, Jules, owns four on their ranch in Santa Monica.
Some experts believe that breeding and keeping wolfdogs is unethical. They note that wolves are an aggressive and dangerous species. Wolfdogs carry these traits and are prone to behavioral issues as well as heart problems. Nonetheless, Stewart loves her family’s pets and has no qualms about keeping them.
8. Leonardo DiCaprio’s African Tortoise
Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the few true movie stars still working today. He’s also a committed animal lover and owns several dogs. However, his most unusual and exotic pet is his African Spurred Tortoise. Allegedly, he bought the reptile for $400 at the North American Reptile Breeders Conference and Trade Show.
This endangered species can live for up to 100 years in captivity. It’s also the third-biggest turtle in the world. Stress can severely impact their lives so owners shouldn’t hold or carry them. It’s also crucial that they have a high-fiber diet with plenty of grasses and leaves. This will enrich the turtle’s life. DiCaprio is an ethical owner, and he supports many environmental causes.
9. Michael Jackson’s Chimp
Some celebrities have exotic pets that enshrine themselves in pop culture. Michael Jackson’s chimpanzee, Bubbles, is arguably the most iconic example. The primate even had tea with the Mayor of Osaka in Japan. He lived a high life until he became too big and aggressive for Jackson to handle. Bubble is still alive and enjoying life at Florida’s Center for Great Apes.
Chimpanzees don’t make good pets because they are so powerful and energetic. Most states have regulations preventing people from owning them. Chimps are highly intelligent with many similarities to humans. These apes are very cute when they’re small. However, chimpanzees are dangerous when they mature. Native to Africa and endangered, they belong in the wild.
