Being a celebrity often comes with its fair share of challenges. The constant adulation and media attention can take a toll. It's no surprise that some celebrities find solace in the company of animals, which offer them unconditional love and zero judgment. However, not all celebrities stuck to the traditional pets like dogs, cats, rabbits, and fish. Instead, they chose companions that were far more exotic and, in some cases, completely unsuitable as pets.

Discover the Fascinating World of Celebrity Pets

Reese Witherspoon's Donkeys

Donkeys can truly be endearing pets. Reese Witherspoon, the renowned American actress and film producer, is the proud owner of two donkeys named Honky and Tonky. If you have the space, donkeys can make a great addition to your family. They bring a unique charm and a sense of rustic charm to one's life.These donkeys have become an integral part of Reese's life, and she has shared many heartwarming moments with them. They are not just pets but also a part of her story.

Catherine of Aragon's Monkey

In the 1500s, Queen Catherine of Aragon owned a monkey. However, having a monkey as a pet was not a common or advisable choice. Monkeys are known to be quite active and can sometimes be unpredictable. In that era, it posed certain challenges and risks.This monkey, with its unknown name, holds a significant place in history, reminding us of the different pet choices made by the elite.

Justin Bieber's Monkey

Canadian singer Justin Bieber owned a capuchin monkey named OG Mally. Monkeys are not typically suitable as house pets. They have specific needs and behaviors that are difficult to meet in a domestic setting.Justin's choice of a monkey as a pet sparked a lot of discussions and raised awareness about the challenges of keeping exotic animals as pets.

Josephine Bonaparte's Orangutan

First wife of Emperor Napoleon Joséphine Bonaparte had an orangutan named Rose. Orangutans are magnificent creatures but are not meant to be kept as pets. In fact, this particular orangutan died of the cold, highlighting the difficulties of providing proper care for these wild animals.It serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the natural habitats and needs of these animals.

Tori Spelling's Pigs

American actress and author Tori Spelling is the owner of three pigs named Nutmeg, Hank, and Wilbur. Pigs can make wonderful companions when in the right household. They are intelligent and have unique personalities.Tori's pigs bring a touch of farm life to her world and have become beloved members of her family.

Tori Spelling's Bearded Dragons

Tori Spelling also has 12 bearded dragons, although not all at the same time. One of them was called Smushy. Bearded dragons need attention to thrive. They are naturally friendly and can bring a lot of joy to their owners.With proper care, these bearded dragons have become an interesting part of Tori's life.

Kirstie Ally's Lemurs

Late American actress Kristie Ally owned ring-tailed lemurs. Lemurs do not make good pets as they require special habitats and care. These unique animals have specific needs that are difficult to meet in a domestic environment.Kristie's lemurs serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting these endangered species and their natural habitats.

Mike Tyson's Tigers

Boxer Mike Tyson had three Bengal tigers. He initially owned three but donated two to a sanctuary. Tigers are powerful and majestic animals that are never meant to be kept as pets.Mike's experience with tigers highlights the dangers and responsibilities associated with owning such wild animals.

Slash's Snakes

Guns n Roses band member Slash has many snakes. Some snakes make great pets with proper care. He has snakes like Clyde and Sam (anacondas) and Pandora and Jacob (boa constrictors). These snakes add a unique element to Slash's life and require specific care and attention.

Grace Coolidge's Racoon

Wife of U.S. President Calvin Coolidge had a raccoon named Rebecca. Raccoons are not typically good pets. Rebecca repeatedly bit Coolidge and attempted to escape, showing the challenges of keeping these wild animals.This raccoon's story serves as a lesson about the difficulties of taming wild animals.

Kristen Stewart's Wolves

American actress Kristen Stewart owned four wolf hybrids. Strictly speaking, they were her Mom's pets. Wolf hybrids need experienced owners as they have specific behaviors and needs.Kristen's wolves bring a sense of wildness to her life and require careful handling.

Melanie Griffith's Lion

American actress Melanie Griffith had a lion. Lions take a great deal of expertise to care for. These majestic animals have specific requirements that only experienced owners can meet.Melanie's lion experience emphasizes the importance of proper care and knowledge when it comes to owning wild animals.

Josephine Baker's Cheetah

American-born French dancer, singer, and actress Josephine Baker had a cheetah named Chiquita. Cheetahs are wild animals and are not suitable as pets.Josephine's cheetah shows the allure and danger of owning such exotic animals.

Ice-T's Shark

Rapper Ice T (real name Tracy Lauren Marrow) had a blacktip reef shark. Sharks are happier in the wild. They have their own natural habitats and behaviors that are best left undisturbed.Ice-T's shark experience highlights the importance of respecting the natural lives of these creatures.

Tracy Morgan's Octopus

African-American comedian and actor Tracy Morgan had a Pacific octopus named Bwyadette. Octopuses require the right habitat to thrive. They have unique behaviors and needs that need to be met.Tracy's octopus added an interesting element to his life and reminded us of the diversity of pet choices.

Salvador Dalí's Ocelot

Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dalí had an ocelot named Babou. Ocelots are wild animals and are not meant to be kept as pets. Babou tried to escape and destroyed things, emphasizing the challenges of owning these exotic creatures.

Leonardo DiCaprio's African Tortoise

American actor and film producer Leonardo DiCaprio has an African Spurred tortoise. These tortoises live for a long time, which presents certain challenges. They require specific care and attention over the years.Leonardo's tortoise is a reminder of the long-term commitment needed when owning such unique pets.

Nicolas Cage's Albino Cobras

American actor and film producer Nicolas Cage had two albino king cobras named Moby and Sheba. Albino cobras are venomous and have special dietary needs. They are not suitable as pets for the average person.Nicolas Cage's cobras highlight the dangers and responsibilities associated with owning venomous animals.

Nicolas Cage's Two-Headed Snake

Nicolas Cage also had a two-headed snake named Harvey. These unique snakes would probably not survive in the wild due to their special characteristics.Nicolas Cage's two-headed snake is a fascinating example of nature's oddities.

John Quincy Adams' Alligator

Sixth president of the United States John Quincy Adams had an alligator. Alligators are not good pets, especially when kept in a bathroom. They require specific habitats and care.John Quincy Adams' alligator serves as a reminder of the importance of proper animal care.

Salma Hayek's Owl

Mexican and American actress and film producer Salma Hayek has a southern white-faced owl named Kering. Owls require specific knowledge and care to be kept as pets.Salma's owl is a unique addition to her life and showcases the diversity of pet choices.

Paris Hilton's Kinkajou

American media personality Paris Hilton has a kinkajou named Baby Luv. Kinkajous are not typically good pets as they can be unpredictable and may bite.Paris Hilton's kinkajou experience reminds us of the challenges of owning exotic animals.

Vanilla Ice's Wallaroo

American rapper, actor, and television host Vanilla Ice has a wallaroo named Bucky Buckaroo. Wallaroos need a lot of space and are not suitable for most households.Vanilla Ice's wallaroo is a unique pet that requires special care and attention.

Elvis Presley's Chimpanzee

American singer and actor Elvis Presley had a chimpanzee named Scatter. Chimpanzees are more suited to the wild and can cause chaos and pose risks when kept as pets.Elvis Presley's chimpanzee experience shows the potential dangers of owning these primates.

Michael Jackson's Chimpanzee

American singer, songwriter, and dancer Michael Jackson had a chimpanzee named Bubbles. Similar to other chimpanzees, Bubbles is better off in the wild where they can live more naturally.Michael Jackson's chimpanzee serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the natural habitats of these animals.Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.