Pets hold a special place in our hearts, often becoming cherished family members, but sometimes, that spot comes with a hefty price tag. Still, some people are willing to spend huge sums buying their pets. And that’s before vet bills, food, toys, clothing, or bedding. This list reveals the ten most expensive pets in the world, with maintenance costs that often surpass those of luxury cars.
Savannah Cat — $25,000
When you cross a domestic cat with a Serval, you get Savannah cats with long legs, spotted coats, and large, erect ears. Early-generation cats with more prominent wild characteristics are rare and more costly than later ones. Owning a Savannah cat can be restricted or even illegal in some areas due to its wildcat heritage, so it’s important to research local regulations before considering one.
Lavender Albino Piebald: $40,000
In another case of genetics shooting up the price of an animal species, this Lavender Albino Ball python showcases a combination of recessive genes. As one of the first morphs, this snake was different from other Ball Pythons because its base color lacks the typical yellow or brown tones, resulting in a beautiful lavender hue. Compared to some other reptiles, Ball Pythons, including Lavender Albinos, have a docile temperament with relatively simple care requirements, making them popular choices for pet snakes.
Camels: $55,000
This price tag shouldn’t be surprising since people still value camels in certain regions. In places like the Middle East and North Africa, camels play a significant role in their culture. People still use camels to herd livestock, transport goods, and even provide wool. Also, in parts where camel racing is a popular sport, specially bred camels with exceptional speed and stamina can cost up to $50,000.
Chimpanzees: $60,000
Unlike other animals, chimpanzees share over 98% of our DNA, so they’re brilliant with complex social needs. In many places, owning a chimpanzee as a pet is illegal. They are considered exotic animals with specific care requirements that most individuals cannot provide. Likewise, they become more unpredictable as they mature, and their strength can seriously threaten humans.
Arabian Horse: $100,000
With an ancient lineage originating in the Arabian Peninsula, Bedouin tribes prize these horses for their intelligence, stamina, and ability to thrive in harsh desert conditions. Besides, they also have distinctive features like a dished face, a high tail carriage, and a smooth, floating gait. Arabian horses with pedigrees tracing back to famous ancestors can reach well over six figures!
White Lions: $140,000
While it’s easy to think white lions are albinos, you’d be wrong! They have a rare genetic condition that reduces multiple pigments, resulting in a white coloration of their fur color, making them less common than tawny lions. Although undeniably captivating, their $140,000 price tag comes with ethical baggage. They typically come from captive breeding operations that are usually for-profit ventures. Before purchasing one, consider local regulations, research breeders thoroughly, and choose responsible animal care.
Red Purebred Tibetan Mastiff: $1.5 Million
While Tibetan Mastiffs are relatively rare, red is a unique coat color within the breed. This scarcity contributes to the higher price compared to other variations. Male mastiffs have an impressive fur mane around the neck and chest, enhancing their majestic appearance. In March 2011, a red Tibetan mastiff only fetched a record-breaking price of 10 million Chinese yuan ($1,513,417).
Viatina-19 FIV Mara: $4.38 Million
In a historic auction, Viatina-19 FIV Mara set a new record as the priciest cow ever sold, fetching a staggering 21,000,000 Brazilian Real in São Paulo, Brazil, on June 21. With this amount, you could buy a posh estate somewhere in New York City or retire early to travel around the world.
Sir Lancelot Encore Labrador: $155,000
You can’t expect less from the world’s first publicly known cloned dog. When Sir Lancelot succumbed to cancer, his owners wanted their companion back so badly they opted for pet cloning. In 2008, Sir Lancelot’s DNA was sent to a South Korean company specializing in animal cloning. The following year, both owners welcomed Sir Lancelot Encore to the world after a groundbreaking procedure that cost $155,000.
Green Monkey: $16 Million
The Green Monkey comes from a lineage of successful racehorses, including the Forestry, Northern Dancer, and Secretariat. Besides his rich pedigree, Green Monkey moved like lightning during training, and his prospects fueled a bidding war in 2006. He became the most expensive Thoroughbred ever sold at auction with a final $16 million bid by Demi O’Byrne. However, Green Monkey never quite lived up to the hype.
