The world is home to many incredible creatures, including some that are incredibly expensive. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 most expensive animals on Earth. It’s a journey into the world of these extravagant creatures.
1. Albino African lion
One of the rarest and most valuable animals in the world is the white lion, also known as the albino African lion. This magnificent creature is a variant of the Kruger Lion, native to Africa.
White lions were first spotted in South Africa in the last century and have been highly sought after and extremely expensive ever since. Seeing a white lion in person is a rare stroke of luck, as they often live solitary lives and seldom join a pride of brown lions.
Their pure white fur distinguishes them from traditional lions, making them an awe-inspiring sight for those fortunate enough to catch a glimpse.
However, their uniqueness also presents challenges, as they struggle to find food and survive in the wild. Consequently, their numbers are dwindling, further cementing their status as one of the world’s most precious animals.
Ninth on the list is the extraordinary Missy. Missy is a swift bull who has won numerous championships, showcasing her exceptional running ability. She has triumphed in prestigious competitions such as the Western Spring National Show and the North American Championship, earning her a coveted title.
Missy’s impressive track record has made her one of the most popular show attractions globally, with many people eager to own her. She was eventually sold for a staggering $3 million, highlighting her rarity and exceptional quality.
Missy’s remarkable speed allows her to traverse tracks quickly, consistently delivering excellent results recognized by industry professionals.
Eighth on the list is the Atlantic bluefin tuna, known as one of the fastest swimming fish in the world. With an average cruising speed of nearly 100 kilometers per hour, this aquatic marvel rivals the speed of a cheetah on land.
Unlike the canned tuna many are familiar with, the bluefin tuna is far from an ordinary fish. A 300-pound wild tuna can easily fetch over $2 million. Increased demand for seafood has caused the tuna population to decline by a shocking 97% in less than 30 years due to slow growth and overfishing.
Fisheries experts warn of the imminent extinction of the global Atlantic bluefin tuna if fishing restrictions are not implemented.
As a result, tuna fishing has been banned in many regions, with authorized boats limited to catching only one tuna per year. These circumstances have further increased the value and preciousness of bluefin tuna.
Seventh on the list is the Green Monkey of the racing world. This remarkable horse gained widespread attention for its exorbitant price, making it the most expensive racehorse in the world.
Despite its name, the Green Monkey is not a monkey but an extraordinary thoroughbred horse. It became famous for its incredible speed, capable of reaching an average of 80 kilometers per hour, equivalent to the speed of a typical car.
With such speed, the Green Monkey effortlessly secured several victories in horse races. The Green Monkey comes from an exceptional racehorse lineage. His sire, a famous racehorse named Neighbor, had previously won the Kentucky Derby.
This prestigious pedigree has contributed to the Green Monkey’s reputation and increased his market value. The horse’s racing record and potential as a formidable competitor also influenced his high price.
2. African Elephant
The African elephant, the largest living land animal, is a key figure in the African savannah. These magnificent creatures can reach lengths of about 6 meters and are best known for their white ivory tusks.
Adult African elephants have tusks that typically exceed one meter, with some reaching up to two meters. However, their value goes beyond their ivory, making them highly sought-after and valuable.
Unfortunately, the demand for ivory has led to the tragic slaughter of many African elephants. Alarming statistics show that 80% of the ivory exported from Africa comes from these majestic animals. To protect them from extinction, the United Nations has enacted a comprehensive ban on the international trade of elephants.
Additionally, Kenya has taken significant measures to combat the illegal ivory trade, enforcing strict penalties for poaching and recognizing the urgent need to protect these invaluable creatures and their habitats.
3. Albinism Crocodiles
Albinism, a condition familiar to many, also affects several species in nature, including crocodiles. These white crocodiles, along with white tigers and white lions, lack protective coloration, making them more vulnerable to hunters and starvation.
Due to their rarity, white crocodiles are considered extremely valuable, with each one fetching as much as $50 million, making them the most sought-after species.
Scientific analysis indicates that for every million crocodiles, there are approximately three with albinism. Unlike their traditional dark gray or green counterparts, white crocodiles stand out for their pure white appearance, giving them a unique and captivating aura.
However, their distinctive color also poses significant challenges, as it makes them easily identifiable in their environment. In a tragic incident, seven precious white crocodiles were stolen from a Brazilian zoo, resulting in a significant financial loss of hundreds of millions of dollars to the institution.
4. Giant Panda
The giant panda is a national treasure of China and a cultural symbol worldwide. As a unique animal native to China, it has been listed as a first-class national endangered species and enjoys special legal protection.
To safeguard this precious species, numerous conservation bases and nature reserves have been established, showcasing China’s commitment to its preservation.
The cost of leasing a pair of giant pandas can exceed $30 million per year, with an additional $600,000 annually if a cub is born during the lease period. Their special dietary needs, including imported bamboo and specialized milk powder, incur significant costs for hosting countries.
Additionally, providing suitable habitats for giant pandas can be quite expensive. For instance, the Washington Zoo in the United States spent $20 million to build a panda habitat, while the San Diego Zoo spent $30 million. Qatar went even further, investing $400 million in its panda facility.
The Cantor’s softshell turtle, also known as the Asian giant softshell turtle, is recognized as one of the loneliest creatures on Earth. Many ancient animals have become extinct due to human activities, and several species are now threatened, including these turtles.
Due to their limited population, there is no price estimate for these turtles, making them priceless. These turtles are also year-round bachelors, earning the nickname “Light of the Single Nobles” among some netizens.
The spotted softshell turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtle species in the world, found in the rivers and lakes of Asia. They play an important role in controlling plant growth and maintaining the ecological balance of water bodies. By foraging, they help remove harmful substances from the water and promote purification and water quality.
The white rhino, scientifically known as Ceratotherium simum, is found primarily in African grasslands and woodlands. They are the second largest land mammal on Earth after the elephant.
The rhino horn, which is not only a symbol of power but also sought after for its alleged medicinal properties, has led to relentless hunting of the species. Poachers, driven by profit, hunt these precious creatures mercilessly, causing their populations to plummet.
Despite global bans on the trade in rhino horn, illegal channels still exist. The northern white rhino is in particularly dire straits, with only two females left in the world. African countries have taken protective measures, deploying large numbers of soldiers to guard them day and night.
5. Sperm Whale
The sperm whale, known for its impressive size of up to 18 meters and weighing as much as 50 tons, is often considered the king of the ocean. It consumes meals many times larger than its own size.
Interestingly, the sperm whale’s feces contain a valuable substance called ambergris. Used in the perfume industry, ambergris is one of the most expensive animal products in the world, valued even higher than gold and used in many everyday perfumes.
Additionally, sperm whale teeth are highly prized. Bracelets made from their teeth can cost around $35 million each, with a single bracelet potentially fetching at least $400 million.
Given the massive size of the sperm whale and the potential value of its various products, its true worth is almost immeasurable. However, due to aggressive hunting and declining numbers, the sperm whale is now a protected species.
