Mike Tyson’s pet tiger is one of the most iconic parts of his legendary—and often outrageous—persona. In the 1990s, during the peak of his fame and fortune, Tyson owned several white Bengal tigers, which reportedly cost him over $70,000 each. The most well-known among them was named Kenya, and she lived with Tyson at his Las Vegas mansion for years. The image of a world heavyweight champion casually walking a massive tiger on a leash remains one of the most surreal snapshots in sports pop culture.

Tyson raised the tiger from a cub and often spoke publicly about his deep affection for her. He kept Kenya as a pet for approximately 16 years. Despite the close bond they shared, things changed as the tiger matured. In later interviews, Tyson admitted that Kenya had become too dangerous to keep at home. At one point, he revealed that the tiger once seriously injured someone who entered his property without permission.

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Eventually, Tyson made the difficult decision to part ways with Kenya. He explained that it was unfair and unsafe to keep a wild animal in a domestic setting. The tiger was rehomed to a sanctuary, where she could live more freely and in an environment better suited to her species.

Today, Mike Tyson reflects on his time owning a tiger with mixed emotions. While he acknowledges the thrill and uniqueness of the experience, he also accepts that it wasn’t responsible animal ownership. He now advocates against exotic animal ownership, admitting it was a mistake driven by youth, wealth, and poor advice.

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