10. Jackie Chan’s trained koi fish and catfish
With a career that includes flying through the air, breaking bones, and performing daring stunts, Jackie Chan, the world-renowned actor and martial artist, understandably craves a serene and mentally engaging pastime. Interestingly, this international star has found tranquility and intellectual stimulation in the art of fish training. Beyond the film sets of acclaimed movies like “Police Story” and “Rush Hour”, Chan devotes time to his hobby of coaching koi and catfish to perform an array of tricks, including rolling over on command.
In a 2007 video posted on his official website, Chan proudly showcased his unique skill: enticing a fish to flip over for a gentle belly rub, a testament to his patient and gentle demeanor. The peaceful, graceful movements of the fish and the calming influence of the water seem worlds away from the high-octane action scenes for which he is globally recognized.
The talented star communicates with his aquatic pets in both Mandarin and English, demonstrating his linguistic abilities and the cross-cultural nature of his fish training hobby. But Chan’s love for animals doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. The actor’s menagerie also includes three cats and five dogs, reflecting his broad love for creatures great and small. Despite his formidable presence on screen, Chan is a soft-hearted animal lover at his core, stating, “I just love animals, I don’t know why. I am tough but I have a pretty good heart.” In the end, Jackie Chan’s pet fish reveal a different side to this action hero – a side that speaks to patience, gentleness, and the simple joys of life.