Owning an exotic pet can be an extraordinary experience. These unique animals often come with high price tags and specific care requirements. From monkeys to parrots, here are some of the most expensive exotic pets you can own.
White Lion Cub
White Lion Cubs are rare and majestic, making them highly sought after. They can cost anywhere from $140,000 to $280,000. These lions are native to the Timbavati region of South Africa. Their striking white coats are due to a genetic mutation. Keeping a White Lion Cub requires significant space and secure enclosures. They need a diet rich in raw meat and veterinary care from specialists. As they grow, their care becomes more demanding and expensive. Legal permits and adherence to wildlife regulations are mandatory.
Palm Cockatoo
Palm cockatoos are native to New Guinea and northern Australia. They are known for their striking appearance and large crests. These birds inhabit rainforests and woodlands. Palm cockatoos need a large cage, plenty of toys, and a varied diet. They also require regular social interaction. Prices range from $16,000 to $20,000. They are intelligent and can form strong bonds with their owners.
Savannah Cat
Savannah cats are a hybrid between a domestic cat and a serval. They have striking spotted coats and long legs. These cats are known for their athleticism and intelligence. Savannah cats need a lot of space to roam and play. They also require a high-protein diet and regular veterinary care. Prices range from $1,000 to $20,000, depending on the generation and quality. They are social and can bond closely with their owners.
De Brazza’s Monkey
De Brazza’s monkeys are from the forests of Central Africa. They have distinctive white beards and are known for their elusive nature. They prefer dense, swampy forests and are excellent climbers. These monkeys need a spacious, enriched environment and a specialized diet. Prices range from $10,000 to $12,000. They are social and require a lot of attention and care.
Hyacinth Macaw
Hyacinth macaws are the largest of all parrots, native to South America. They have vibrant blue feathers and strong beaks capable of cracking nuts. These birds need a large cage, plenty of enrichment, and a specialized diet. They also require a lot of social interaction. Prices range from $8,000 to $12,000. They are known for their gentle nature and can live up to 50 years.
Capuchin Monkey
Capuchin monkeys originate from Central and South America. Known for their intelligence and dexterity, these small primates are often seen in movies and television shows. They thrive in dense forests and are known for their social behavior. Capuchins need a lot of attention and social interaction to stay healthy. They require a spacious enclosure, a varied diet, and mental stimulation. Prices range from $5,000 to $7,000. They can live up to 40 years, making them a long-term commitment.
Snow Macaque
Snow macaques, also known as Japanese macaques or snow monkeys, inhabit the cold mountainous regions of Japan. They are famous for their thick fur and the behavior of soaking in hot springs during winter. Owning a snow macaque involves providing an enclosure that can accommodate their need for both cold and warm environments. They require a diverse diet and social interaction. Prices for snow macaques can range from $3,000 to $8,000. Snow macaques are highly intelligent and need constant mental stimulation and enrichment activities.
Rhesus Macaque
Rhesus Macaques are intelligent and social primates, native to parts of South, Central, and Southeast Asia. Prices for these monkeys range from $4,000 to $8,000. They inhabit a variety of environments from forests to urban areas. Macaques need spacious enclosures with plenty of enrichment activities. They require a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Social interaction is important for their well-being. Additionally, they can carry diseases transmissible to humans, necessitating regular veterinary checks.
Patas Monkey
Patas monkeys, also known as Hussar monkeys, are found in the savannas and grasslands of West and East Africa. They are known for their reddish-brown fur and incredible speed, making them the fastest primates. Keeping a Patas monkey requires a very large and secure outdoor enclosure. They thrive in open spaces and need a diverse diet similar to their wild diet, including fruits, seeds, and insects. Prices typically range from $4,000 to $8,000. Patas monkeys are highly social and need constant companionship and enrichment activities.
Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs are giant, powerful dogs originally bred to guard livestock in the Himalayas. These imposing dogs can cost between $2,000 and $5,000, with some rare specimens fetching over $10,000. They are native to Tibet and the surrounding regions. Tibetan Mastiffs need large, secure yards and regular exercise. Their thick double coat requires frequent grooming. These dogs are known for their independence and protective nature. Proper training and socialization from an early age are crucial. They are best suited for experienced dog owners.
Mona Monkey
Mona monkeys are native to the tropical forests of West Africa, specifically in countries like Ghana and Cameroon. They are small primates with distinctive facial markings and a long tail. To care for a Mona monkey, you’ll need a large enclosure that mimics their natural habitat with plenty of trees and climbing structures. These social animals require constant interaction and mental stimulation. Prices can range from $4,000 to $7,000. Mona monkeys have complex dietary needs, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, and insects.
Squirrel Monkey
Squirrel Monkeys are small, agile primates native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. These lively creatures typically cost between $6,000 and $8,000. Their natural habitats are rainforests where they leap among the trees. Owning a Squirrel Monkey requires a spacious enclosure with plenty of vertical space and enrichment activities. They are social animals and thrive with companionship. A special diet of fruits, insects, and small vertebrates is essential for their health. Additionally, regular veterinary care is crucial.
Chinese Crested Hairless Dog
The Chinese Crested Hairless Dog is an exotic and unique breed, known for its hairless body and tufts of hair on its head, tail, and feet. Prices for these dogs range from $2,000 to $5,000. Originating from Africa and China, they were bred to be companion animals. These dogs need special skin care due to their lack of fur. Sunscreen is necessary to protect their skin from sunburn, and moisturizing lotions prevent dryness. They are prone to dental issues, so regular dental care is important. They are affectionate and thrive on human companionship.
Fennec Fox
The Fennec fox hails from the deserts of North Africa. Recognizable by their large ears, these small foxes are adapted to hot, arid climates. They are nocturnal and dig extensive burrow systems. Fennec foxes need a secure outdoor enclosure with space to dig. They require a diet high in protein. Prices range from $2,500 to $3,500. They are energetic and playful but can be challenging to train.
Kinkajou
Kinkajous are small, nocturnal mammals native to Central and South America. They have a prehensile tail and a keen sense of smell. They live in tropical rainforests and are arboreal. Kinkajous need a large, secure enclosure and a diet rich in fruits and insects. They are social and require a lot of interaction. Prices range from $2,000 to $3,000. They are playful but can be challenging to handle.
Macaw Parrot
Macaw parrots are native to Central and South America. These birds are known for their bright plumage and strong beaks. They inhabit rainforests and are highly social, often seen in pairs or flocks. Macaws need a large cage, plenty of toys, and a varied diet. They also require regular social interaction. Prices range from $1,000 to $3,000. With proper care, they can live up to 60 years.
White Albino Python
The white albino python, a variation of the Burmese python, originates from Southeast Asia. These snakes are known for their striking white and yellow coloration and large size. A large, secure enclosure with controlled temperature and humidity levels is crucial for keeping a white albino python. They require a diet of appropriately sized rodents and need space to move and hide. Prices for these snakes range from $300 to $1,500. Regular handling is important to maintain their docility and prevent stress.
Stag Beetle
Stag Beetles are fascinating insects known for their large mandibles resembling a stag’s antlers. These beetles can cost between $100 and $1,000 depending on the species and size. They are found in Europe and parts of Asia, inhabiting woodlands and forests. To keep a Stag Beetle, an enclosure mimicking their natural habitat with decaying wood and soil is necessary. They require a diet of fruit and tree sap. The beetles have a relatively short lifespan but are prized for their unique appearance and behaviors.
Axolotl
The axolotl, also known as the Mexican walking fish, hails from the lake complex of Xochimilco near Mexico City. These unique amphibians are famous for their ability to regenerate limbs. Their natural habitat includes freshwater lakes and canals. To keep an axolotl, you’ll need a large, cool, and clean tank with plenty of hiding spots. The water temperature should be maintained between 60-64°F. The price range for an axolotl is typically between $20 and $70. Axolotls require live or frozen food, such as bloodworms, and careful water quality management.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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