EXOTIC PETS OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS

An Emirati Magazine publication – Released on April 04, 2025 | www.emiratimagazine.com

For the ultra-wealthy, standard pets like cats and dogs don’t always suffice—many opt for rare and exotic animals as status symbols. Celebrities and billionaires have been known to keep unique companions, ranging from big cats to rare reptiles. Mike Tyson famously owned three Bengal tigers, while Salvador Dalí had an anteater and an ocelot named Babou, which he took to restaurants.

Photo by Tushar Mahajan | Image Courtesy: www.pexels.com

Other high-profile figures prefer avian and aquatic rarities. Nicolas Cage once owned an albino king cobra, while pop star Justin Bieber had a capuchin monkey named Mally. Some billionaires go even further, with Arab sheikhs and Russian oligarchs reportedly keeping cheetahs, falcons, and even pet sharks.

While these animals are fascinating, exotic pet ownership comes with ethical and legal concerns. Many require specialized care, and some are protected species. Despite this, the allure of owning a one-of-a-kind pet continues to captivate the world’s elite.