1

Michael Jackson’s chimpanzee

Image: MediaEcke

At his Neverland ranch, the King of Pop had his own zoo with exotic animals such as exotic birds, an albino python, two tigers named Thriller and Sabu, and even an elephant, a gift from Liz Taylor. But by far, Michael Jackson’s favorite pet was Bubbles, a chimpanzee he introduced as his son and followed him everywhere.

You‘re probably wondering what happened to Bubbles, right? Well, you'll be glad to know that the 41-year-old chimpanzee now leads a quiet and normal life. He lives at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida, where he pursues unique hobbies such as painting. Surely, Michael would be happy to see his beloved pet living a nice retirement.

2

Audrey Hepburn’s fawn deer

Image: Jen Dries

The mythical actress Audrey Hepburn had one of the most unique pets in Hollywood history: a baby deer named Pippin. This beautiful and gentle animal seems to match perfectly with the grace and elegance of the actress who captivated the hearts of fans around the world, don't you think?

Hepburn met Pippin in 1958 during the filming of Green Mansions and fell in love at first sight. The actress adopted the fawn and brought it to her Beverly Hills home, where it quickly made friends with Mr. Famous, the family dog.

3

Elvis Presley’s kangaroo

Image: Iván Lojko

Throughout his life, the King of Rock and Roll kept several pets at his beloved Graceland. But did you know one of them was a kangaroo? Yes, exactly! In addition to horses, dogs, a chimpanzee named Scatter, birds, and a squirrel monkey, Elvis had a kangaroo given to him by his agent Lee Gordon in 1957. Elvis tried to train it, but when he eventually failed, he gave it to the Memphis Zoo.

4

Melanie Griffith’s (many) lions, tigers, and cheetahs

Image: Glen Carrie

When Melanie Griffith was a teenager, her mother, the famous actress Tippi Hedren, decided to make a film about endangered lions. An animal trainer warned her that if she wanted to learn more about these felines, she had to "live with them for a while".

So the whole family moved to a ranch in California and adopted cheetahs, tigers, cougars, and lions. What was supposed to be a five-week shoot turned into five years. On one occasion, Melanie was attacked by a lion, resulting in over 50 stitches and reconstructive surgery on her face. The experience was so negative that the actresses now advocate for a ban on the exotic cat trade.

5

George Clooney's Vietnamese pot-bellied pig

Image: Jez Timms

Did you know that George Clooney once had a pet pig? In 1988, his then-girlfriend, actress Kelly Preston, gave him a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig as a gift. The animal grew to 300 lbs and lived with the Hollywood star for 18 years.

But that's not all! In 1994, when the infamous Northridge Earthquake that caused 72 deaths, 12,000 injuries, and $25 billion in losses hit Los Angeles, Max saved his owner's life. Clooney claims he was born again that day and will be forever grateful to his furry friend.

6

Reese Witherspoon’s donkeys

Image: Erwan Hesry

Reese Witherspoon is a big fan of animals. Owner of an entire farm, she tends to at least three dogs, two piglets, twenty chickens, three goats, and a pony.

But her most famous pets are Honky and Tonky, two incredible miniature donkeys that she and her children play with frequently.

7

Nicolas Cage’s albino cobras

Image: Anilsharma26

Nicolas Cage is well known for his bold and eccentric personality, both on and off the screen. He has a passion for exotic animals, so it's no wonder he once adopted two albino cobras —one of the rarest and most venomous snakes in the world— as pets.

Despite spending tens of thousands of dollars on them, his love for these rare reptiles caused him major legal and safety challenges, forcing him to reconsider his decision. Ultimately, he decided to send them to a professional wildlife center, ensuring they received the best care.

8

Paris Hilton’s kinkajou

Image: Aramburu Carlos, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Paris Hilton is known for her extravagant lifestyle. In addition to lavish mansions, closets full of designer clothes and shoes, and expensive jewelry, the hotel heiress invests much of her fortune in pets. That's how, in 2005, she adopted a kinkajou she named Baby Luv.

You're probably wondering what a kinkajou even is. Kinkajous are wild mammals native to the rainforest, relatives of raccoons and coatis. Their large, round eyes and playful nature make them seem like ideal pets, but in reality, they shouldn't be taken out of the wild. Paris learned this the hard way: the animal bit her arm, and she had to be hospitalized. After the incident, the socialite had to relocate Baby Luv to a wildlife sanctuary.

9

Miley Cyrus’ pig

Image: Forest Simon

Miley Cyrus is a well-known animal advocate who collaborates directly with PETA. She has a home farm where she lives with seven dogs, two horses, two ponies, several cats, and until 2019, a pig.

Of all her companions, Pig Pig was the recurring star on the singer's Instagram account. Miley adopted her in August 2014 after her dog, Floyd, died. Sadly, five years later, Miley had to share some bad news with her thousands of followers: "Very sad to say... my dear friend Pig Pig has passed away," she wrote.

10

Mike Tyson’s tiger

Image: Alicia Chong

The famous boxer Mike Tyson kept a considerable number of big cats as pets. But his favorite was a female Bengal tiger he named Kenya. They lived together for almost two decades, and it was amazing to see him next to the 550-pound animal. The former champion was in charge of feeding her, they walked together, and she even slept in his bed.

Tyson was never afraid of animals considered dangerous. But when the tiger began to age, it became too risky to keep her in the house. Eventually, he was forced to get rid of Kenya.

1

Being annoying

We all have bad days where our mood goes south, but in Florida, you’d better keep those frustrations to yourself . Ever since 1832, the Sunshine State has had a broad nuisance statute that classifies anything that "annoys the community, injures public health, or corrupts public morals" as a second-degree misdemeanor. Of course, the law was intended to address community hazards like toxic waste disposal or unsafe buildings. Modern enforcement targets environmental hazards and serious health violations. Personal annoyances are off-limits, since what qualifies as "annoying" is completely subjective.

2

Honking with no purpose

We’ve all used our car horn to wave at a neighbor or used it to vent a little frustration in traffic. However, in New Jersey, according to their traffic code, your horn is legally reserved for safety warnings only . In this state, using it for any non-emergency reason is technically a traffic violation since 1968. Unless you are trying to prevent a fender-bender or warn a distracted driver, it is best to keep your hands off the steering wheel's center and just give a friendly wave instead.

3

Dangling car decorations

If you have a pine-scented air freshener or a set of graduation tassels swinging from your rearview mirror, you might be looking at a ticket in some states. Laws vary across the country, but for example, in California, the law states that there cannot be anything obstructing the view through the windshield or side window . This rule is part of the California Vehicle Code, enforced in 1959. In Texas, the regulation is similar according to the state Transportation Code, and Minnesota, in turn, has had a law since 1957 making it strictly illegal to hang anything from the mirror. Nobody has anything against a nice-smelling car or a beautiful lucky charm, but when they obstruct your view , that’s a problem for everyone on the road.

4

Handling a stranger’s mail

It’s not unusual to find a stack of letters addressed to the person who lived in your house three years ago, right? Now, your first instinct might be to toss it in the bin . Believe it or not, that’s a big no-no since 1948, clearly stated in the U.S. Code. Tossing out mail intended for someone else into the garbage is considered a federal felony, and penalties can be severe, including up to five years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000. The proper way to proceed is to write "refused" or "return to sender" on the envelope and let the post office take it from there.

5

Forgetting to tell the DMV you moved

Life gets busy and messy when you move to a new house, so it’s easy for updating your driver's license to fall to the bottom of the to-do list. However, in most states, you are legally required to notify the DMV of your change of address within a very short window, usually ten to thirty days . In California, for example, you must do this within ten days. If you get pulled over and your license doesn't match your current address, you could get a fine. Time really flies when moving, but make sure to write this on the very top of your to-do list, and you’ll be fine!

6

Letting the engine on

Isn’t it common to start the car on a frosty morning to let it warm up while you finish getting ready? Well, if you do this, you’re technically breaking the law in some states: since 2004, in Ohio and Colorado, this is actually a citable offense known as "puffing." Leaving an unattended vehicle idling in your driveway is illegal because it invites car theft and contributes to unnecessary exhaust emissions. If you want to get the heater going, the law expects you to stay right there in the driver's seat until you’re ready to pull away.

7

Prank pizzas

In Louisiana, ordering a stack of pizzas to be delivered to an unsuspecting friend as a prank is more than just a lousy joke; it’s a crime. Believe it or not, there’s a reason behind this law. Passed in 2018, the Louisiana Revised Statute was specifically written to protect small businesses from losing time and money on fake orders. Can you imagine how annoying it must be to deal with a pranked customer who doesn’t want the five pizzas they got out of the blue? Even if it started as a joke, the authorities now view it as a form of theft that can result in a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

8

Playing hairdresser

If you’ve ever offered to give a friend a quick perm or some highlights in your kitchen, you might be an accidental criminal. In the US, performing any kind of cosmetology service on another person without a professional license is illegal. Forms of enforcement and penalties depend on each state, but most follow the rules established by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, which grants licenses following pertinent examinations. Of course, a bangs cut is not always a problem, but these kinds of regulations were created to ensure that chemicals and sharp tools are handled safely by trained experts.

9

No-hands bike riding

Riding a bike is fun, especially for kids who like to do tricks and take both hands off the handlebars. But in North Carolina, that’s a traffic violation, according to the city code. The statute requires cyclists to keep at least one hand on the grip at all times to maintain control of the bike. Fines for this behavior can go up to $50 and even imprisonment for up to 30 days. Riding a bike without using your hands might feel like a fun way to show off skills, but the consequences can be serious.

10

Tossing out old batteries

When the remote dies, most people are tempted to just drop the old batteries into the kitchen trash can, but you might want to think that over, especially if you live in California. As of 2005, in this state, household batteries are classified as hazardous waste because they contain chemicals that leak into the soil. The California Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act requires you to take them to a proper recycling center instead of the regular landfill. It takes a little more effort to do the right thing, but it keeps the local environment a lot cleaner for everyone.

11

Lending your Wi-Fi password

You’ve just moved, and you ask your friendly neighbor to share their Wi-Fi password until your internet is set up. That’s pretty common, but that’s also been a felony since 1986. The feds view this as unauthorized access to a computer network . Under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, jumping on a signal you don't have explicit and formal permission to use is technically a crime. It’s better to stick to the local coffee shop than risk a run-in over a bit of borrowed bandwidth.

1

Snowball fights

Image: Arina Krasnikova

It may sound like the premise for a coming-of-age comedy film, but it’s absolutely true: in Wausau, Wisconsin, throwing a snowball is technically against the law. The city once grouped snowballs in the same category as "stones and missiles," as if every kid with a pair of mittens were a potential threat to public safety. Of course, local police don’t patrol sledding hills looking for offenders anymore. The rule mostly lives on as a charming reminder that even winter fun can end up in the law books.

2

Camel hunting

Image: Shaun Danny

Camels in Arizona? Well, technically. Back in the mid-1800s, t he U.S. Army brought camels to the Southwest, hoping their strength and stamina would make them the perfect means for desert transport. The experiment didn’t last—soldiers preferred their mules—but the camels did, wandering off into the wild. To protect the survivors, the State of Arizona outlawed camel hunting, a law that still stands today. So if you ever spot one, grab your camera, not your hunting license!

3

Texting while walking

Image: Elizabeth Woolner

Crossing the street with your eyes glued to your phone is the 21st century’s twist on jaywalking. In Honolulu, Hawaii, that nasty habit can cost you up to $99, thanks to a local ordinance meant to curb "distracted walking." Officials say it’s about protecting pedestrians from accidents; residents jokingly call it "the eyes-up law." Whether you see it as common sense or overreach, the rule makes one thing clear: the text, meme, or emoji can wait until you’re safely on the other side.

4

Apple pie must come with ice cream

Image: Patrick Fore

Here’s a rule everyone can get behind. Vermont, proud home of rolling orchards and autumn harvests, officially crowned apple pie as its state dessert. But lawmakers didn’t stop there; they added a charming twist, recommending that each slice be served "in good faith" with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a piece of sharp cheddar, or a glass of cold milk. It’s less a regulation and more a warm invitation to enjoy a simple American treat. Yes, the law can sometimes be fun and downright delicious!

5

Bear wrestling

Image: Florian Schindler

Believe it or not, there was a time when people thought wrestling a bear was a good idea. Traveling shows and roadside attractions once featured men squaring off against hulking bruins for cheers and pocket change. Eventually, Alabama decided it was a spectacle best to leave it in the past. In 1996, the state officially banned bear wrestling, making it illegal to train, promote, or even sell tickets to such events. Today, the law stands as a small but noble victory for animal welfare. As for the bears? They walked away undefeated, every single one of them.

6

Password sharing

Image: cottonbro studio

Before Netflix made it official, Tennessee was already ahead of the curve. Back in 2011, the state passed a law making it illegal to share passwords for paid streaming services. The rule was originally meant to stop hackers from selling stolen logins, but it ended up being a cautionary tale for the streaming wars to come. Technically, lending your password to a friend could cost you $2,500 and even land you a year in jail. What once seemed overcautious now feels oddly prophetic, almost like Tennessee read the fine print of the future.

7

Dueling

Image: Leon Kohle

If you’ve ever challenged someone to a duel—yes, the kind with pistols and a handshake at dawn—you can forget about running for office in West Virginia. The state’s constitution, written in the 1800s, includes a clause that permanently bars any duelist from holding public office. The idea was to keep gentlemen of "honor" from turning government into a shooting gallery. More than a century later, the law remains untouched, a relic of a time when reputations were defended at ten paces.

8

Roller-skating

Image: Harrison Haines

Can you imagine roller-skating being banned in your town? Back in the 1930s in Biddeford, Maine, sidewalks were sacred ground for Sunday strolls, not racetracks for daredevils on wheels. So, the city downright prohibited skating and biking on sidewalks. Believe it or not, the rule, established in a slower era when the biggest traffic hazard downtown wasn’t a speeding car, but a kid on skates, still lingers in the city code today.

9

Fishing with your hands

Image: Patti Black

Think you’re tough enough to catch a catfish with your bare hands? In Indiana, that risky stunt—known as "noodling"—will earn you more than bragging rights; it could get you fined. The practice involves reaching into murky holes and hoping the fish bites, but lawmakers decided it was safer for everyone if they didn’t. The ban protects catfish during breeding season and probably saves a few bold fishermen’s lives. So, if you’re visiting Indiana and are feeling adventurous, bring a rod instead!

10

Confetti

Image: jameson wu

Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama, bursts with color, music, and flying beads, but there’s one thing you won’t see floating in the air: confetti or silly string. The city banned both to keep its historic streets clean after the celebrations. The rule might sound like a party pooper, but locals don’t mind. They’ve turned cleanup into an art form, celebrating with floats, jazz bands, and smiles instead of streamers. After all, the joy of Mardi Gras isn’t in what you toss but in the rhythm, the laughter, and the sparkle that doesn’t need sweeping up.