Fifteen of the World’s Most Exotic Pets

Dogs and cats are perennially popular pets ... but what if man's best friend isn't cool enough for you? Try the exotic pet trade! Most of these animals are illegal, but hey, you can bet your Labradoodle-owning neighbor is jealous of your albino crocodile.

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15. macaque (snow monkey)

You must harness your chi, my young grasshopper.

14. camel spider

I’m pretty sure I’ve seen this thing crawling through my nightmares.

13. lavender albino python

One of the rarest snakes on Earth, this python will set you back 40,000 bones.

12. savannah cat

Don’t be surprised if your nimble savannah cat runs away to join the circus.

11. white lion cub

Ranging from blond to pale white, white lion cubs are popular commodities in the illegal wildlife trade (directly leading to their endangered status)

10. serval

If you buy one hundred more servals, you’ve got yourself a gorgeous coat! Just kidding

squirrel monkey

I am Nosferatu’s cute and furry cousin!

8. ocelot

Here, kitty, kitty … You’re such a cute mini jaguar

7. raccoon dog

Neither a raccoon nor a dog, the Siberian canine faces more danger than flawed classification: many faux-fur garments are really made from raccoon dog fur.

6. kinkajou

Hey man, it’s a lot of work hanging out on these branches all day. Don’t hate; appreciate!

5. albino crocodile

Extremely rare in the wild, albino crocodiles are vulnerable to predators; they can only survive in captivity.

4. leopard gecko

Look into my eyes … you’re getting very, very sleepy.

3. hyacinth macaw

“What do you call a Scottish parrot?” “I don’t know; what?” “A Macaw!”

2. madagascar hissing cockroach

I’m not sure why anyone would pay for a three-inch cockroach when he can look under a fridge and find one for free.

1. sugar glider

These Australian marsupials are curious creatures and much easier to care for than a fussy koala. Easy to snuggle and cute to boot? What’s not to love?