Lions are the king of the jungle. They are fierce, but that doesn’t restrict you from bringing one lion home. 

There are no restrictions on who can own a lion; all that’s required is a sizable bank account and some prior familiarity with exotic cats in general and lions in particular. Look out because this cat you’re buying is not ordinary. Rather, you will become the master of the Jungle King. However, you should know that lions require a lot of tenders and loving care before you decide to bring one into your home.

If you’re a tough animal person who wants to invite this male lion into your home, you’ve found the proper article. Let us shed some light on the topic of how much a lion costs. 

So, keep reading.

Lions as Pets

It’s tempting to think that keeping a lion as a pet would be a lot of fun. The rich and famous popularized the trend of keeping exotic animals as pets.

In the United States, it is common for people to be proud owners of exotic animals like lions. Many Americans have even had the opportunity to bring up lion cubs as members of their own families. 

Having a lion as a pet is conceivable, but there are several factors to think about first. The major consideration should be whether or not it is legal to have a lion as a pet in your location. A lion as a pet is a big commitment financially, so be sure to include it in the cost of getting the necessary exotic animal permit.

It’s most probable that the state in which you live requires a license in order to possess a lion, and you won’t be able to stroll into a rescue facility, pick up an animal, and bring it home with you as a pet.

Can Lions be Domesticated?

Yes, they can be. It is better to buy domesticated lions from breeders. That way, you will be sure that the lion isn’t wild, and the chances of it harming you will lessen. But before you go out and buy a lion as a pet, make sure you know the laws in your state about lion domestication. But it’s not a good idea to bring a huge cat into the house with you.

Having a plan in place for the initial stages of lion domestication is a good idea. You will need to construct a cage and provide supplemental feeding. 

How Much Does a Lion Cost?

An adult lion can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000. The cost of a lion, however, is highly variable. In terms of rarity, white lions can cost as much as $140,000.

Prices for lions often begin at $5,000 and rise from there, with the higher tiers reflecting greater rarity. Don’t forget that this is the one-time investment required to acquire lions. There is an extra fee for it.

In some cases, having a license alone isn’t enough; you’ll also need insurance. For everyone’s protection, the government requires everyone to get insurance. Insurance can cost between $200 and $300 annually.

Additional Costs

Buying a lion comes with loads of additional costs. If you want to bring a pet lion home, you should have sound knowledge about the potential costs. A rough idea would be like this:

• Obtaining the necessary permits from the federal government and individual states will be necessary. The annual cost of these permits can easily exceed $200.
• If you work for a state or federal agency, you’ll require liability insurance, which can run you anywhere from $1,000 to $15,000 per year, depending on the policy you choose.
• The annual cost of premium food and supplements will be around $1,000, likely much more. A cage should be at least 15 feet deep, 10 feet high, and 20 feet wide at the very least.
• Depending on its size, annual flea prevention costs can range from $100 to $250, and monthly worming can cost anywhere from $45 to $70.
• The price range for a sturdy travel cage made of stainless steel that can accommodate your lion cub at maturity is $250-$2,500. For whatever reason, if you need to transport your lion, you’ll require a sturdy vehicle and a forklift.

You may also like: Do Lions Eat Other Lions?

How Much Are Lion Cubs?

On average, you may expect to pay between $1,500 to $15,000. The more uncommon the kind, the greater the reserve fund should be. We looked at several websites that sell exotic animals and found that the average ad had a price tag of $600 to $2,000, for example.

However, your state has stringent laws concerning the ownership of exotic pets. Even if you live in a state where owning exotic pets is legal, you will still need to obtain the proper paperwork from the relevant organization, such as the Department of Wildlife and Rescue.

You must prove to the state agency that you know how to care for and confine your potentially dangerous animal properly. There are a lot of difficulties involved in this portion of the licensing process. Obtaining a license to care for animals like lion cubs may require you to operate under the supervision of a professional zookeeper.

White Lions: How Much Do They Cost?

The white lion is the most valuable and rare species on Earth right now. The mutation of the gene in the parents’ bodies is responsible for the color, according to experts. For whatever reason, they are undeniably one of nature’s most incredible creations.

A sizable outlay of cash is expected, so be financially ready. Since white lions are social creatures, it’s best to get two of them at the cost of $280,000.

Can You Rent a Lion? How Much Does It Cost?

Only ten states in the US allow animal rentals. Depending on the kind of lion, the hourly rate might range from $100 to $1,000. Lion pups’ little stature might make them endearing, but the adult lion is much larger than the cub and will mature to its full size in around six months. Some of the most costly animal breeds include tigers and lions. 

The African lion is a native of Africa and India, where it lives mostly in grasslands and open woodland. It costs almost $14,000 per year to provide food for African lions. They are more difficult to care for than their feline counterparts.

Conclusion

The idea of keeping a lion as a pet may seem thrilling. However, it might be pricey to pay for the proper permits in order to maintain one at home. In addition, the expense of keeping a lion as a pet is quite expensive. 

So, do your homework before bringing a lion into your house.