Buzz
For most individuals in developed nations, their primary encounter with animals is through their pets. Unless you're opting for a high-end purebred cat or dog, it's improbable that you're splurging on a puppy as a Christmas gift for your children.
While most of the pets we choose are fairly affordable, there are certain animals that come with astronomical price tags. From genetically cloned specimens to exceedingly rare breeds, here are the 10 priciest animals ever sold.
10. Stag Beetle
While many people gladly spend a fortune to eliminate insects, there are collectors who view these creepy crawlies with fascination rather than repulsion.
A certain species of beetle is so highly regarded that the rarest and largest examples can fetch thousands of dollars. The stag beetle is particularly revered in Japan, where the largest specimens are incredibly scarce. With blood-red mandibles and prominent antlers, it’s a prized insect among enthusiasts.
In 1999, the highest price ever paid for a stag beetle reached approximately $90,500. The buyer, a 36-year-old company president, acquired it from Wakuwaku Land, a specialty store in Tokyo.
The hefty price tag for the beetle was attributed to its remarkable size. While a typical stag beetle measures around 5.1 centimeters (2 inches), this specimen was around 7.6 centimeters (3 inches) long, making it especially rare and sought after by collectors. It’s unlikely that another beetle will command such a price, as breeders have since found a more efficient way to breed these insects.
9. Sir Lancelot Encore
In 2008, a family from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, lost their cherished golden Labrador, Sir Lancelot. They decided to preserve his DNA, which is far from what most people would do when their pet passes. Then again, few can afford to pay $155,000 for cloning their pets either.
The Otto family contacted a South Korean cloning company to recreate their dog from the frozen DNA sample. They apparently won the bid in an auction held by the biotech firm, which was seeking someone willing to fund a new experiment.
The cloning process was a success, and the Ottos soon welcomed a 10-week-old, 4.5-kilogram (17 lb) yellow Labrador puppy into their home. Named Sir Lancelot Encore, the new puppy was genetically identical to his predecessor. The family didn’t have to face an empty house, as they already had nine other dogs, 10 cats, four birds, and six sheep.
To afford the cloning, Mrs. Otto had to sell several pieces of valuable jewelry. However, she had no second thoughts about bringing her beloved Lancelot back to life.
8. Yorkshire Boar
When people think of pigs, most picture sizzling bacon served alongside eggs and toast. Pigs are gaining popularity as pets, but the priciest pig ever sold at auction was definitely not for companionship.
In 2014, a Yorkshire boar (a male pig) was auctioned off for $270,000. Raised by Western Illinois University School of Agriculture Associate Professor Mark Hoge and his family, the pig fetched $267,000 more than the second most expensive animal in its category.
The Yorkshire, also known as Large White, was originally bred for bacon production but gained fame in the lean-meat sector throughout the 1900s. This breed was developed by crossbreeding the native white pigs of North England with the smaller, fattier white Chinese pig, and it is now the most widely distributed pig breed in the world.
7. Deveronvale Perfection
Some animals fetch high prices due to their appearance, rarity, or size, while others are valued for their sperm. The latter is the case for Deveronvale Perfection, a pedigree Texel ram carefully bred through embryo transfer.
A Texel is a lean meat sheep, and in 2009, one sold for an astounding £231,000. But that figure is modest when compared to the income Deveronvale Perfection would generate from stud fees, the money earned from allowing other sheep to mate with him.
The previous UK record holder, Tophill Joe, fetched £128,000 in 2003. That sheep went on to earn a staggering £1 million from stud fees.
John Yates from the Texel Sheep Society commented, “The enormous sum [paid for Deveronvale Perfection] caught many by surprise. While some view these animals as nothing more than lamb chops, these flocks represent the pinnacle of genetic quality. This was the exceptional animal that set itself apart.”
Deveronvale Perfection was bought by Jimmy Douglas, who said, “There was a photo of him in The Scottish Farmer. I knew I had to have him.”
6. Armando
To most, pigeons are little more than “rats with wings,” constantly ruining cars with their droppings. Yet despite the general public’s dislike, pigeons have been a significant bird species for millennia.
In fact, pigeons are among the oldest domesticated bird species. Throughout history, people have eaten pigeons, used them to carry messages, and bred them for racing.
In 2019, a racing pigeon named Armando was sold to a Chinese businessman for an impressive $1.4 million. The price was driven up by a fierce bidding war that set a new record.
Armando was bought for his potential to sire a new line of racing pigeons. Pigeon racing enjoys great popularity in China, where extraordinary sales frequently occur.
In 2013, the previous record-holder, Bolt, was sold for €310,000. Nikolaas Gyselbrecht from the pigeon auction site PIPA noted, “You can compare it to artwork. A Picasso painting is worth more than one by an unknown artist. It’s the same with this pigeon.”
5. Big Splash
On average, people spend between $1,000 and $2,000 for a purebred puppy, depending on the breed. While some may pay more, the typical pedigree dog doesn’t come close to the astronomical value of the Tibetan Mastiff.
These massive, fluffy dogs have been around for over 5,000 years, and owning one is seen as a symbol of status in China. They are rarely seen outside of Tibet, which contributes to their high cost. The priciest one was sold for $1.5 million to a Chinese coal magnate.
The dog, named Big Splash (“Hong Dong” in Chinese), was hailed as “a perfect specimen.” The seller estimated that the dog could command up to 100,000 yuan for studding services.
Though that amount wouldn’t generate a profit on the original investment for several years, the new owner has no interest in such matters. Big Splash was bought purely as a status symbol. He will live like royalty with no expense spared for his care.
4. America
You’ve likely heard of Wagyu beef being hailed as the most luxurious and flavorful beef on Earth. However, even these coveted bulls haven’t fetched as much as “America,” the priciest bull ever sold.
America is a specially bred Angus bull from North Dakota. In February 2019, the Schaff Angus Valley annual production sale concluded with a stunning bid of $1.51 million for Lot #1. America wasn’t bought for consumption, though—he was bred for stud purposes.
The winning bidder, Herbster Angus Farms from Falls City, Nebraska, decided not to relocate the bull. America will stay in North Dakota, where 20 percent of his semen earnings will be shared with the farm, while Herbster will retain 80 percent.
Bull semen comes at a steep price. For a bull like America, breeders are looking at a significant expense. Semen from Wagyu bulls can cost tens of thousands of dollars. In 2019, one batch went for $67,000. While the exact value of America’s semen remains unknown, it’s likely to reach similar levels given the hefty price he fetched at auction.
3. Fusaichi Pegasus
It’s no surprise that the priciest animal ever sold was a thoroughbred. Horse racing has long been a sport for the affluent. When a horse triumphs in one of the world’s most prestigious races, its stud fees can skyrocket.
The highest-priced horse ever sold was Fusaichi Pegasus. He was bought shortly after clinching victory in the 2000 Kentucky Derby. While the exact amount paid was kept private, it’s believed to have ranged between $60–$70 million.
Thoroughbreds are highly sought after for their pedigree, which is why the stud fees for Fusaichi Pegasus were no small matter. He was taken to Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky, where he charged a stud fee of approximately $200,000. Since then, he has fathered more than 75 Stakes winners worldwide, although the price for his services has since dropped significantly.
In 2020, Fusaichi Pegasus’ stud fee had decreased to just $7,500. Despite siring several winners—including Roman Ruler, Haradasun, and Bandini—he’s largely considered underwhelming as a stallion, likely due to the exorbitant price originally paid for him.
2. Pacific Bluefin Tuna
The elusive Pacific bluefin tuna holds the title of the most expensive fish worldwide. Its rich, fatty belly meat can command a steep price in any upscale sushi restaurant. This is no ordinary canned tuna.
The renowned Japanese fish market is famous for auctioning off the world’s largest bluefin tuna. As the season begins, the price for the first tuna sold soars due to the prestige associated with the successful bidder.
In early 2019, Kiyoshi Kimura, known as the “Tuna King,” set a new record by purchasing a 278-kilogram (612 lb) Pacific bluefin tuna for an astounding $3.1 million. This topped the previous record of $1.4 million, set in 2013—also by Kimura.
1. Koi
Japanese koi breeding has evolved into a centuries-old art form. Through selective breeding, a plain species of carp was transformed into a brilliantly colored, highly coveted fish.
If you’re looking to add koi to your pond, be prepared to spend a significant amount of money, especially as they grow older and larger. Prices can range from a few dollars to several thousand, with bloodline being the most significant factor in determining value. Koi bloodlines are as prestigious as those of purebred dogs.
At the All Japan Koi Show auction in 2017, a nine-year-old grand champion koi fetched an eye-watering $1.8 million, making it the highest-priced koi ever sold. Fortunately, she has many years ahead of her to continue thriving.
Koi can live for up to 40 years, so the grand champion will likely spend the next few decades breeding and bringing in significant earnings for her owner.
