Celebrities often live lives that seem larger than life, and sometimes that extends to their choice of pets. While most of us stick to cats, dogs, or maybe a goldfish, these stars have taken a walk on the wild side, choosing exotic animals as companions. Whether it’s tigers or tortoises, these wild pets have their own stories to tell. Let’s dive into the world of celebrities who have shared their homes with some truly unusual animals—and what became of those unconventional pets.
1. Mike Tyson and His Tigers
When you think of Mike Tyson, the first image that might come to mind is his boxing prowess. But for a time, he was also known for his unusual choice of pets—three Bengal tigers. Tyson got these majestic creatures during the height of his career, and they became as much a part of his public persona as his boxing gloves. Owning tigers, however, is a huge responsibility, and Tyson learned this firsthand. The expense and complexity of caring for such large animals eventually became too much.
After several years, Tyson had to make the difficult decision to part with his tigers. He ensured they went to a sanctuary where they could be properly cared for. Tyson later admitted that having tigers at home was a mistake, emphasizing that such wild animals belong in the wild or properly managed sanctuaries—not in a private residence. The experience taught him valuable lessons about animal care and responsibility. Today, Tyson advocates for more humane treatment of animals and encourages people considering exotic pets to think twice.
2. Tippi Hedren and Her Lions
Tippi Hedren, the Hitchcock starlet, had a unique relationship with lions that began in the 1970s. During that time, Hedren and her family lived with a full-grown lion named Neil in their home. Neil was part of an effort to raise awareness about the plight of big cats and eventually led to the making of the film “Roar.” While the movie gained a cult following, the experience was fraught with challenges. Living with lions, as you might imagine, involved a lot of risk.
Rare Historical Photos says that the Hedren family learned this the hard way, enduring numerous injuries during the filming process. Eventually, Tippi founded the Shambala Preserve, a sanctuary for big cats and other exotic animals in California. Neil and the other lions were relocated there, where they could live in a more suitable environment. Hedren’s work continues to highlight the dangers of keeping wild animals as pets. Her story is a testament to the complexities of human and animal interactions, and she remains an advocate for animal rights.
3. Nicolas Cage and His Cobras
Nicolas Cage is known for his eclectic taste, both in film roles and personal life. At one point, Cage owned two king cobras, which are among the most venomous snakes in the world. He named them Moby and Sheba, and they became infamous not only for their danger but also because their hissing was so loud that neighbors complained. The Fader notes that the cobras were a part of Cage’s collection of exotic animals, reflecting his fascination with the unusual. However, owning such dangerous pets posed significant risks.
Cage eventually realized that keeping cobras was not a sustainable or safe choice. He parted with Moby and Sheba, ensuring they were rehomed to a facility equipped to handle such creatures. The experience did not deter Cage’s love for exotic pets, but it did make him more cautious about the animals he chose to keep. In interviews, Cage has expressed a deep respect for wildlife and an understanding of the responsibilities that come with caring for them. His story serves as a reminder that some animals are best appreciated from a distance.
4. Justin Bieber and His Monkey
Back in 2013, pop sensation Justin Bieber made headlines not just for his music but also for his pet capuchin monkey named Mally. The singer received Mally as a gift, and the adorable monkey quickly became a fixture in Bieber’s life. However, when Bieber brought Mally with him on tour in Germany, things took a turn. The singer didn’t have the proper paperwork, and German customs officials confiscated the monkey. This incident sparked a media frenzy and highlighted the complexities of owning exotic pets.
According to People, Mally was placed in a Munich animal shelter, and Bieber faced a choice: provide the necessary documents or leave Mally behind. Ultimately, Bieber decided not to reclaim Mally, and the monkey was rehomed at a German zoo. There, Mally found a new life and eventually integrated with other capuchins. Bieber’s experience became a cautionary tale about the responsibilities and legalities involved in owning exotic animals. It also sparked discussions about the ethical implications of keeping such wild creatures as pets.
5. Paris Hilton and Her Kinkajou
Known for her glamorous lifestyle, Paris Hilton once owned a kinkajou named Baby Luv. Kinkajous are not your average pets; they’re nocturnal animals native to Central and South American rainforests. Hilton often carried Baby Luv around, making it a part of her celebrity image. However, the relationship hit a snag when the kinkajou bit Hilton. The incident led to a hospital visit and became tabloid fodder.
After the bite, Hilton re-evaluated her choice of having a kinkajou as a pet. Baby Luv was eventually moved to a more suitable environment where its needs could be properly met. Hilton has since taken a more conventional approach to pets, favoring dogs over exotic animals. Her experience with Baby Luv served as a wake-up call about the unpredictability of wild animals. It also highlighted the importance of understanding the natural behaviors and needs of exotic pets before deciding to bring them into a home.
6. Leonardo DiCaprio and His Tortoise
Leonardo DiCaprio is not just an Oscar-winning actor but also an environmental activist. His choice of a unique pet reflects both his love for animals and his commitment to conservation. DiCaprio owns a Sulcata tortoise, one of the largest tortoise species in the world. This choice might seem tame compared to tigers or cobras, but Sulcata tortoises can live for over 70 years and grow quite large. DiCaprio’s tortoise is reportedly named Boris and weighs around 200 pounds.
The actor acquired Boris from a breeder, ensuring the tortoise would have a proper habitat and care. His commitment extends to providing ample space for Boris to roam and a balanced diet to keep him healthy. DiCaprio’s choice of a tortoise reflects his understanding of the responsibility involved in caring for long-lived animals. His dedication to Boris aligns with his broader environmental initiatives. Through this experience, DiCaprio continues to promote the idea of ethical and sustainable pet ownership.
7. Elvis Presley and His Kangaroo
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll was known for his eccentric style, and his choice of pet was no exception. In the 1950s, Elvis Presley was gifted a kangaroo by a fan. As you might imagine, a kangaroo is far from the typical pet, even for someone as iconic as Elvis. While he was amused by the gift, Elvis found that the kangaroo wasn’t suited to life in Graceland. Caring for a kangaroo proved challenging, given its natural behaviors and needs.
Elvis made the wise decision to donate the kangaroo to the Memphis Zoo. There, it could receive the care and habitat more in line with its needs. This decision was praised by animal welfare advocates, who noted that zoos are better equipped to handle such exotic animals. Elvis’s brief experience with a kangaroo served as a lesson in the complexities of owning wild animals. It also highlighted his willingness to prioritize the well-being of the animal over personal novelty.
8. Salvador Dalí and His Ocelot
Surrealist painter Salvador Dalí was famous for his eccentricities, and his choice of pet was no different. Dalí owned an ocelot named Babou, which he often took with him on travels and even to art galleries. The spotted feline was a striking companion, complementing Dalí’s unconventional lifestyle. However, an ocelot is not a typical pet, requiring specific care and a suitable environment. Dalí’s ownership of Babou raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the ethics of owning wild animals.
Despite the challenges, Dalí was devoted to Babou and famously defended his choice to keep the ocelot, claiming it was a normal cat painted with op art. While Babou accompanied Dalí for many years, the artist eventually realized the need for a more suitable arrangement for the animal. Babou was later relocated to a sanctuary where it could live in a more natural setting. Dalí’s story with Babou is a fascinating look into the life of an artist who blurred the lines between the conventional and the extraordinary. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of providing appropriate environments for exotic pets.
9. Kirstie Alley and Her Lemurs
Actress Kirstie Alley has always had a love for animals, which led her to adopt an unusual set of pets—lemurs. Over the years, Alley became the proud owner of several of these primates, which she kept at her home. Lemurs are social animals native to Madagascar, and they require specific care and attention. Alley was dedicated to providing for her lemurs, going so far as to build them a specialized indoor habitat. She even employed caretakers to ensure their well-being.
Despite her best efforts, keeping lemurs as pets is a challenging endeavor due to their complex social and dietary needs. Alley was often vocal about the time, effort, and expense involved in caring for them. She advocated for better understanding and care of such exotic animals, drawing attention to the issues surrounding their captivity. The actress’s experience is a testament to her commitment to her pets, but also a cautionary tale about the demands of owning non-domestic animals. Alley’s story reflects her passion for wildlife and highlights the responsibilities that come with it.
10. George Clooney and His Pig
Before George Clooney became known as one of Hollywood’s most eligible bachelors, he was known for his unusual pet—a potbellied pig named Max. Max was a gift from Clooney’s then-girlfriend, and the pig quickly became a beloved companion. Clooney often joked that Max was the longest relationship in his life, even outlasting several of his romantic partnerships. The actor’s fondness for Max was well-documented, and they were inseparable for nearly two decades. Max even had his own suite in Clooney’s home.
Potbellied pigs can live for many years and require specific care, including a proper diet and plenty of space. Clooney was committed to providing a good life for Max, often sharing stories about the pig’s antics. However, as Max aged, health issues became a concern, and the pig eventually passed away at the age of 18. Clooney was heartbroken by the loss, having formed a deep bond with his unusual pet. Max’s story is a heartwarming example of the special relationships that can form between people and their pets, regardless of species.
11. Audrey Hepburn and Her Fawn
Audrey Hepburn, the epitome of elegance, once had a pet that was as graceful as she was—a fawn named Pippin. During the filming of “Green Mansions,” Hepburn was encouraged to bond with the fawn to create on-screen chemistry. The actress welcomed Pippin, whom she nicknamed Ip, into her home, creating a unique and touching relationship. This bond was captured in numerous photos, showing Hepburn and Ip strolling through Hollywood like lifelong friends. Having a fawn as a pet is no small feat, given their specific needs and natural behaviors.
Hepburn dedicated time to understanding and meeting Ip’s needs, often sharing stories about the fawn’s gentle nature. After filming concluded, Ip was returned to the animal trainer, though the experience left a lasting impression on Hepburn. Her time with Ip underscored her compassion and affinity for animals, traits she carried throughout her life. The story of Hepburn and Ip is a beautiful reminder of the connections that can form between humans and animals. It also highlights the importance of ensuring that wild animals receive the care and environment they deserve.
12. Hugh Hefner and His Peacocks
Hugh Hefner, the iconic founder of Playboy, was known for his extravagant lifestyle, which extended to his choice of pets. Among them were a flock of peacocks that roamed freely around the Playboy Mansion. These vibrant birds added an exotic touch to Hefner’s already lavish home, becoming a symbol of his opulent lifestyle. Peacocks are known for their striking plumage and their loud calls, both of which became a staple of the mansion’s atmosphere. While keeping peacocks is less common than owning a dog or cat, Hefner was fascinated by their beauty and presence.
The birds were well cared for, with Hefner ensuring they had ample space to roam and thrive. Over time, the peacocks became a beloved part of the mansion’s lore, appearing in many photographs and stories about the estate. Hefner’s choice to keep peacocks reflected his desire to create a unique and enchanting environment. Though the mansion is no longer the bustling hub it once was, the legacy of those peacocks remains. They exemplified Hefner’s flair for the extraordinary and his appreciation for the finer, more colorful things in life.
13. Frida Kahlo and Her Spider Monkey
Celebrated artist Frida Kahlo was known for her vibrant paintings and her unique approach to life, which included an array of exotic pets. Among them was a spider monkey named Fulang Chang, who appeared in several of her artworks. The monkey was a constant companion for Kahlo, symbolizing her connection to the natural world and her own complex identity. Spider monkeys are known for their sociable nature and agility, traits that Kahlo captured in her art. Fulang Chang became a muse for Kahlo, featuring in some of her most intimate self-portraits.
Keeping a spider monkey, however, involves challenges, as they require social interaction and a stimulating environment. Kahlo was devoted to Fulang Chang, providing care and attention that reflected her deep affection for the animal. The monkey’s presence in her life and work underscored Kahlo’s belief in the interconnectedness of all living beings. After Fulang Chang’s passing, Kahlo continued to honor the monkey’s memory through her paintings. Her story with Fulang Chang is a testament to the profound relationships that can exist between artists and their animal companions.
14. Michael Jackson and His Chimpanzee
The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, was famous not just for his music but also for his menagerie of exotic pets. Among them was a chimpanzee named Bubbles, who became one of Jackson’s closest companions during the 1980s. Bubbles lived at Jackson’s Neverland Ranch and often accompanied the singer on tours and public appearances. The bond between Jackson and Bubbles was well-documented, with the chimpanzee becoming an integral part of Jackson’s public image. Despite the companionship, caring for a chimpanzee is a complex task, as they are highly social and require specific environments to thrive.
As Bubbles matured, it became clear that a private home was not the best environment for him. Jackson eventually made the decision to relocate Bubbles to a sanctuary, where he could live in a more suitable setting with other chimpanzees. The transition was necessary for Bubbles’ well-being, highlighting the challenges of keeping such intelligent and social animals as pets. Jackson’s experience with Bubbles sparked conversations about the ethics and responsibilities of owning exotic animals. It remains a poignant example of the deep connections and difficult choices that can arise with unconventional pets.
15. Reese Witherspoon and Her Donkeys
Actress Reese Witherspoon may be a Hollywood star, but her love for a simpler, more rustic lifestyle is evident in her choice of pets. Among her animal companions are two donkeys named Honky and Tonky, who reside at her California ranch. Witherspoon has shared her love for these gentle creatures, often showcasing them on social media. Donkeys are known for their intelligence and affectionate nature, and they’ve become an endearing part of Witherspoon’s family. The actress is committed to providing them with a happy and healthy life, ensuring they have plenty of space and care.
Living on a ranch allows Witherspoon to give Honky and Tonky the environment they need to thrive. Her choice of donkeys reflects a desire to connect with nature and embrace a more down-to-earth lifestyle. Witherspoon often speaks about the joy and companionship they bring to her life, underscoring the unique bond between people and their pets. Her experience with Honky and Tonky is a reminder that sometimes the most unconventional pets can offer the most meaningful relationships. It highlights the simple pleasures of animal companionship and the happiness it can bring to our lives.