18. Salvador Dali’s anteater

Salvador Dalí was famous for his extravagant personality and his daring works of art, and he had a well-known fondness for the unusual. This fondness extended to his personal life as well, especially in his choice of pets. Interestingly, Dalí had a particular affinity for anteaters, a rather odd choice of pet that perfectly mirrored his own eccentric nature.

Dalí was frequently spotted taking his pet anteater for a walk on the streets of Paris. This unusual spectacle was immortalized in a well-known photograph taken in 1969. For many observers, this seemed like another instance of Dalí’s intentional attempt to surprise and entertain, to present himself as an individual who thrived on breaking norms and indulging in the unexpected. 

Dalí’s anteater was not just seen on Parisian streets. It also made an appearance on the Dick Cavett show, creating quite a commotion when Dalí placed the creature onto the lap of the actress Lillian Gish, much to her surprise and discomfort.