Hollywood’s elite have long been synonymous with an eccentricity expressed by their choice in pets. Some are known the world over, pets on a first name basis with the world partly because of the identity of their owner and partly because of their less than common role as pet. Animals not usually domesticated but having served a turn as pet of the rich include snakes, turtles, lions as more. Here are a few of the most bizarre.
1. Lions, Oh My!
Tippi Hedren, known as the first queen of scream for her role in Hitchcock’s The Birds and later Marnie, has a clear and unequivocal love for lions.
Though it’s disputed that she actually owned any lions—it is said by some that she owned several—actress Tippi produced a $17 million film about them titled Roar, which earned only $2 million worldwide, and resulted in injuries sustained by Tippi, husband Hedren, daughter Melanie Griffin, and director of photography Jan de Bont.
Afterwards, she established a non-profit, Roar Foundation, and Shambala Preserve, home to some 70 lions, servals, leopards, tigers and bobcats.
When Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch shut down, his collection of exotic cats went to Shambala Preserve. Later, Tippi says she informed the cats of Jackson’s demise. “I hope they understood,” she said.
2. A Teensy Pig
Harry Potter star Rupert Grint owns a miniature pig, also known as a teacup pig. A product of the latest U.K. fad, teacup pigs have been springing up with Brits everywhere, at little more than a foot long.
Word has it that Rupert however was ripped off in his bid to get in on the fad, and purchased a mere infant pig, which would grow to enormous portions. Only time will tell, perhaps.
Photo Credit: miniaturepigclub.com
3. The Badonkadonks
Celebrity Reese Witherspoon, best known for her roles in Legally Blonde, Sweet Home Alabama and Walk the Line, keeps an interesting assortment of pets—among them her prized donkeys Honky and Tonky.
Her “badonkadonks,” as she likes to call them, are not without issue though, as multiple media outlets report frequent complaints from neighbors about the noise they make.
In addition to these odd domestic mates, Reese’s pet lineup includes 3 goats, 2 pigs, 20 chickens, 3 dogs, a pony and a horse. Reese reports that her horse and donkey like to hang.
4. Pig Staying Power
George Clooney, early star of ER, and later of Ocean’s Eleven, is perhaps one of the most well-known bachelor’s on the planet. Likewise, his most famous relationship might not be with a woman, but rather, with a pig. Max, Clooney’s 300 lb.
Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, came into his life in 1988. Originally purchased for then girlfriend Kelly Preston; Preston left the pig behind when the relationship ended. For the next 18 years, Max remained a constant in Clooney’s life, with indoor accommodations at his Tudor mansion, occasional sleeping space in his bed, and regular appearances on the various sets Clooney worked.
When Max and Clooney parted, it was on death, with the ancient pig suffering from arthritis and partial blindness. Reportedly, Clooney jokes often that Max was the longest relationship he ever had.
Photo Credit: Guardian.co.uk
5. Bubbles…Of Course
Michael Jackson’s common pet chimpanzee Bubbles was undoubtedly the most famous domesticated animal on the planet in the 80s.
Bubbles was reported to have command of the toilet, the usage of cutlery, common chores such as cleaning and more. Bubbles and Michael Jackson could often be seen in public wearing matching outfits, including a now infamous visit to Japan, where the eccentric celebrity brought Bubbles to tea with a local mayor.
Over the years, Jackson kept other chimps in addition to Bubbles, though none would garner the notoriety of his clear favorite. Despite the years however, Jackson would be forced to give up Bubbles when he eventually slid into repeated acts of aggression.
It is reported that Bubbles attempted suicide in a California animal sanctuary. Today, Bubbles lives at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida, where Latoya Jackson is said to have visited him.
Prior to Michael Jackson’s death, he admitted that he thought of Bubbles as is first child, prompting Latoya Jackson to state that she hoped Michael’s other children would keep in touch with their stepbrother Bubbles after their father’s untimely death.
6. A Cage and an Octopus
Nicolas Cage’s off-kilter spending habits have led to financial troubles in the past. Among his most lambasted purchases are that of 2 islands, numerous yachts, a jet, a castle and a few exotic pets. Said pets included king cobras Sheba and Moby and an octopus Cage believed will help him with his acting.
In tough economic times, it’s reported that Cage had to part with his trusty yet tentacled friend.
7. Endangered and Illegal
Celebrity socialite Paris Hilton, most famous perhaps for being famous, is said to have kept a pet kinkajou for some time. Kinkajous, often known as honey bears, are an endangered rainforest mammal from South and Central America. Paris, who named her kinkajou Baby Luv, failed to give the pet up after numerous warnings that possession of it in the United States was illegal.
In addition, animal rights activists protested her ownership of the pet for obvious reasons. It was only when Baby Luv bit her on the arm that she saw fit to dispose of him.
Photo Credit: Infobarrel.com
Celebrities have long been associated with an extra dose of eccentricity.
Odd pets are just one more way of expressing said…uniqueness. While most can’t understand how a celeb might allow a pig or chimp near the good china, Hollywood’s elite certainly understands. Whether it’s lions that maul or an octopus to practice voice work, one things for sure: celebrities sure have the weirdest pets.
Author Bio: Anna C. is a writer for some of the top auto insurance companies. When not working, she can be found teaching surf lessons at her hometown beach.