Big Boi, one half of the legendary duo Outkast, is not only known for his musical prowess but also for his expansive and eclectic interests in animals. While many would assume he indulges in extravagant purchases typical of a successful artist, his most significant investment lies in animal husbandry.
Having grown up with a passion for animals nurtured by his grandfather, who bred German shepherds, Big Boi and his siblings took to caring for puppies from an early age. Over the past three decades, he and his brother James Patton have established Pitfall Kennels, a 25-acre dog sanctuary in South Atlanta, where they breed and rescue numerous dog breeds, including American bullies, French bulldogs, and English bulldogs.
Moreover, Big Boi’s fascination with nature extends to the more unusual side of the animal kingdom. Among his most cherished companions are two Eurasian eagle-owls named Hootie and HOO-Dini. These unique pets, part of his life for the past seven years, exemplify his quirky tastes. Big Boi’s obsession with these majestic birds traces back to the year 2000 when an owl made an appearance in the music video for Outkast’s hit song, “Ms. Jackson.” Little did he know that this encounter would foreshadow his eventual ownership of a similar creature.
After a few years and a brief stint owning a cockatoo, Big Boi’s desire for an owl remained unquenched. It wasn’t until 2018 when his assistant, Shea, discovered Roy Lau, an exotic-animal trainer, who helped him acquire the two owls. Big Boi described his initial thoughts on acquiring the birds as merely wanting something cool, but he quickly realized how affectionate they are, saying, “You can just pet them like dogs.”
Hootie and HOO-Dini have distinct personalities, according to Big Boi. Hootie tends to be more relaxed, while HOO-Dini is known for her energetic demeanor. Still, both owls are mostly “super chill,” spending their days resting on their perches, provided they have plenty of space, food, and freedom.
It’s essential to note that owning raptors comes with strict regulations. Federal and state laws restrict private ownership, and proper care must be conducted under the supervision of a licensed trainer. Currently, while the owls are under the guardianship of Lau, he houses them in his licensed aviary. Big Boi has made appearances with the owls in music studios and even brought one onstage during a performance at a Kennesaw State University football game in 2023, an event that turned comically chaotic when the owl got spooked.
Feeding time for Hootie and HOO-Dini is particularly enjoyable for Big Boi, even though it comes with its challenges. Their primary diet consists of frozen mice, which Big Boi humorously notes he has to store separately from his other foods. “You don’t want that next to your turkey meat and ground beef,” he joked.
Big Boi’s animal collection doesn’t end with the owls. He has a diverse family of pets, including various dogs, Persian cats, and an aquarium teeming with fish. Recently, he has developed an interest in exotic chickens known for laying colorful eggs. Moreover, he has even considered adopting a finger monkey, a tiny species of primate, although he has concerns about it getting lost in his large home.
However, not all of Big Boi’s animal endeavors have gone as planned. A particularly notable misadventure occurred in 2020 when, inspired by the sensationalism of the “Tiger King” documentary, he decided to purchase a tiger cub named Bodhi. Initially captivated by the idea of having a tiger at home, he soon realized the error of his ways as Bodhi grew rapidly. Big Boi described the experience as akin to having a circus animal at home. Ultimately, he decided the best course of action was to relocate Bodhi to a sanctuary zoo in North Georgia after realizing a tiger is not sustainable as a house pet.
Since then, he has learned valuable lessons about animal care, especially when it comes to wild animals. “You just can’t domesticate an apex predator,” he stated wisely, voicing the importance of respecting wild nature.
As for Hootie and HOO-Dini, Big Boi is committed to their long-term care and companionship. He describes them as members of his “extended family” and muses that they often inspire his creativity in music.
image source from：atlantamagazine
