Mike Tyson’s Tiger Obsession: How the Boxing Legend Spent $140K on Exotic Pets
Mike Tyson’s larger-than-life persona extends far beyond the boxing ring. While he’s known for his knockout punches and wild lifestyle, one of his most jaw-dropping splurges came in the form of three Bengal tigers that roamed his luxurious estate. Tyson’s fascination with exotic animals became the stuff of legend—and his tiger story has only grown wilder over the years.
How It Started: Tyson’s First Tiger Purchase
In the early 1990s, at the peak of his fame and fortune, Mike Tyson bought his first tiger. Fresh off making millions from his boxing career, Tyson spent a reported $70,000 on a rare white Bengal tiger cub. The decision to buy the tiger came after a conversation with his car dealer, who suggested that Tyson get a tiger as a status symbol. Tyson, never one to shy away from extravagance, took the advice to heart and purchased not one but three tigers over the following years—each costing around $70,000, totaling $140,000.
Living with Tigers: The High Price of Exotic Pets
Tyson’s tigers—named Kenya, Storm, and Boris—became iconic symbols of his lavish lifestyle. They were kept at his Las Vegas mansion, where they roamed freely across his sprawling 4,000-square-foot property. However, owning exotic animals came with a hefty price tag.
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Feeding and Care Costs:
Tyson revealed that caring for the tigers cost him a fortune, with the annual upkeep amounting to $250,000 per year. The tigers required specialized diets, veterinary care, and secure enclosures to prevent any accidents.
The Downside: When the Tigers Turned Dangerous
While Tyson’s relationship with his tigers was affectionate, it wasn’t without its challenges. The former heavyweight champion admitted that raising tigers wasn’t as glamorous as it seemed. As the animals grew older and more aggressive, they became harder to control.
In a 2020 interview, Tyson shared that one of his tigers once attacked a neighbor who had jumped over the fence into his property. The incident, which led to a lawsuit, made Tyson realize the dangers of keeping such powerful animals as pets.
“I was foolish. I didn’t know how strong they were,” Tyson confessed during the interview.
Saying Goodbye: Tyson Parts Ways with His Tigers
By the early 2000s, Tyson’s financial troubles and changing lifestyle forced him to part ways with his beloved tigers. He donated them to a wildlife sanctuary where they could receive the care and space they needed.
“I had to get rid of them. They were too dangerous and expensive to keep,” Tyson said in an interview reflecting on his decision.
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The Pop Culture Legacy: Tyson’s Tigers in ‘The Hangover’
Even after giving up his tigers, Tyson’s love for exotic animals found its way into pop culture. His cameo in The Hangover (2009) featured a tiger at his Las Vegas mansion, paying homage to his real-life experiences. The movie cemented the image of Tyson as the eccentric, tiger-loving former champ, adding another layer to his larger-than-life persona.
Mike Tyson’s Reflection: Lessons Learned
In recent years, Tyson has reflected on his past choices, acknowledging that buying tigers was a reckless decision driven by wealth and impulsiveness. He admitted that while he loved his tigers, he underestimated the responsibility and dangers of owning such powerful animals.
“I was crazy back then. I didn’t think about the consequences,” Tyson said in a candid interview in 2023.
Tyson’s Current Life: A Different Kind of Empire
Today, Mike Tyson has moved away from his days of exotic animal ownership and focuses on building his cannabis empire, Tyson 2.0, and making high-profile appearances, including his recent fight with Jake Paul in 2024. While the tigers are long gone, their legacy remains a fascinating chapter in the life of one of the most unpredictable and captivating figures in sports history.
