What do you call an animal that costs more than a whole estate on Lagos Island? A luxury pet. That’s what. Some affluent individuals around the globe are spending millions to own rare animals. From exotic dogs to colorful snakes, their hefty price tags will leave you astonished. The taste for high-end pets has been on the rise, with some of these extravagant creatures costing more than private jets. Take a look at some of the top five most expensive pets in the world right now.
1. TIBETAN MASTIFF
$1.5 million
This is not your regular pet dog. The Tibetan Mastiff is a lion-like guard dog originally bred to protect livestock in the freezing Himalayan mountains. It’s big, fluffy, and exceptionally rare. In 2011, a red-coloured Tibetan Mastiff named “Big Splash” was sold in China for $1.5 million. According to CBS News, the buyer, a Chinese businessman, purchased the 11-month-old, 180-pound puppy then, making it the most expensive dog at the time. Why such a hefty price tag? In China, owning a Tibetan Mastiff is considered a status symbol among the elite. These dogs can weigh up to 150 pounds, making them heavier than some adult humans.
2. ARABIAN HORSE
$70 million
Now, this one is royalty. Arabian horses are renowned for their beauty, speed, and pure bloodline. These horses are common sights in elite races and royal stables. One of the most famous among them, “Fusaichi Pegasus,” was sold for $70 million in 2000. According to the Los Angeles Times, this thoroughbred racehorse was purchased by Coolmore Stud, an Irish-based breeding operation, after winning the Kentucky Derby. That’s enough to buy houses and more on Banana Island and still have change. Their high value stems from their exceptional racing abilities and desirability in global horse racing circuits.
3. RACING PIGEON
$1.9 million
Yes, a bird. A pigeon. But not just any pigeon, this one is a record-breaker. A Belgian racing pigeon named “New Kim” was sold for $1.9 million in 2020. It was initially put up for auction for €200. In regions like China and Belgium, pigeon racing is serious business, with some birds even having full-time trainers. Bred specifically for stamina and swift navigation, this feathered champion has full-time trainers ensuring peak performance, making this avian marvel a coveted symbol of status and sporting excellence. Not all that soars is for the faint of heart.
4. LAVENDER ALBINO BALL PYTHON
$40,000
Snake lovers, this one’s for you. This rare python isn’t your average creepy crawler. With bright yellow and soft lavender skin, it looks like something from a sci-fi movie. What makes it pricey? A rare genetic mutation. Selective breeders sell them at high prices, and collectors can’t get enough of the colour. It’s the Gucci of reptiles. According to A-Z Animals, the Lavender Albino Ball Python is among the most expensive snakes, with prices reaching up to $40,000.
5. DE BRAZZA’S MONKEY
$10,000
This bearded monkey isn’t just cute; it’s rare. Named after French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, this monkey is quiet, intelligent, and native to Central Africa. However, don’t think you can just waltz into a pet shop and get one. Many countries have banned them as pets due to conservation laws. Their exotic nature and the specialised care they require make them expensive, but ownership is illegal in most places. Still, some collectors go to great lengths to acquire them. According to The Economic Times, De Brazza’s monkeys are notable for their long white beards and orange crown fur, with prices around $10,000.
