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Wealthy individuals often seek the most extravagant ways to showcase their privilege, and for some, “owning” exotic animals has become the ultimate status symbol. Beyond luxury cars and private jets, they collect rare and wild creatures as a display of prestige. Sadly, these animals, meant to roam free in their natural environments, become little more than props in a show of wealth. Their existence as status symbols to these rich brats leaves them living in conditions that do not meet their needs.

1. Zulma Ayala

Emilia is a 2-year-old spider monkey “owned” by Zulma Ayala, often seen in fashionable attire like Jeans and crop tops, and even sporting Armani perfume. Her lavish life, showcased on a popular TikTok account, includes spa days, gym visits, and extravagant events like birthday parties for other pet monkeys. However, owning spider monkeys is illegal in Mexico, as they are critically endangered and trafficked from the country’s southern jungles. Despite this, in Culiacan, a city infamous for wealth displays linked to drug cartels, exotic animals like Emilia have become status symbols.

2. Mike Tyson

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A post shared by Mike Tyson (@miketyson)

Mike Tyson, known for his love of exotic animals, had several tigers over the years, with his favorite being a white Bengal tiger named Kenya. Weighing 550 pounds, Kenya lived in Tyson’s home and even slept in his room. However, the dangers of keeping a wild animal became clear when Kenya tore off a neighbor’s arm during an unexpected visit. Tyson compensated the woman with $250,000 and later expressed regret over keeping a tiger as a pet.

3. Earl Spencer

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A post shared by Charles Spencer (@charles.earl.spencer)

Earl Spencer acquired three peahens (peacocks) to accompany his resident peacock, Tim, and “add to the grandeur of his estate”. Peacocks, with their flirtatious and territorial nature, are often desired for their ornamental appeal, roaming gardens and entertaining guests during outdoor gatherings. However, these birds are social creatures that thrive in groups, and when left alone, they express distress through loud cries for companionship.

4. Donald Dougher

Source: Donald/Youtube

Donald Dougher, known as “The Richest Kid in America” on YouTube, recently shared a video introducing his two rare, expensive savannah kittens from Africa, valued at $30,000. In the video, Dougher highlights their wild, exotic appearance, comparing them to African wildcats while emphasizing their playful and cute nature. However, despite their appeal, savannah cats are hybrid animals that retain many wild traits and require specialized care.

5. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed

Source: Arabian Business/Youtube

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Dubai’s Crown Prince, is known for his “love of animals”, often sharing his interactions with various exotic creatures on Instagram. His latest post features him feeding red meat to Moochi, a white-maned lion, further adding to his collection of pets, which includes horses, camels, eagles, giraffes, and even a puppy named Tiny.

6. Rashid Saif Belhasa

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A post shared by Moneykicks – We Living Life (@rsbelhasa)

Rashed Saif Belhasa, known as ‘Money Kicks’ on Instagram, flaunts a lavish lifestyle funded by his billionaire father, including a private zoo at his family’s vast Dubai mansion. His Instagram, followed by 1.5 million people, showcases lions, tigers, panthers, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and bears, which are housed within the zoo and can be seen from their enormous living room.

While “owning” exotic animals may seem like the ultimate luxury, it comes with a heavy ethical cost. For those who participate in this trend, it may serve as a demonstration of privilege, but it also raises uncomfortable questions about respect for wildlife and the exploitation of animals for status. These magnificent creatures belong in the wild, not in private collections. True wealth should reflect responsibility and compassion, not the misuse of living beings for personal gain!

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