Wildlife of the Rich and Famous
Despite the condemnation, the novelty of exotic pets still hasn't diminished.

Outside's long reads email newsletter features our strongest writing, most ambitious reporting, and award-winning storytelling about the outdoors. Sign up today.
46 B.C.: Julius Caesar ships a GIRAFFE back from Egypt
1252: The king of Norway presents Henry III of England with a “WHITE BEAR“
1799: Josephine, Napoleon’s consort, keeps a pet ORANGUTAN
1923: William Randolph Hearst inaugurates the Hearst Zoo, soon to be the largest private menagerie in the world
1980s: Pablo Escobar imports HIPPOS to his compound in Medellín, Colombia
1981: Johnny Cash’s OSTRICHES attack him, breaking three of his ribs
1983: Michael Jackson adopts BUBBLES THE CHIMP
2003: Before filing for bankruptcy, Mike Tyson goes $8,100 in debt for the care of two SIBERIAN TIGERS
2005: Paris Hilton’s face is clawed by her “hot” pet KINKAJOU
2010: Two SNOW LEOPARDS are discovered in deposed Kyrgyzstan leader Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s palace