Paws and Prosperity: The Surprisingly Wealthy Pets of the Rich and Famous

Gigoo, the Wealthy Chicken — $15 million inheritance

Gigoo was a Scots Dumpy hen owned by the affluent British publisher Miles Blackwell and his wife Briony. After his wife's death in 2001, Miles Blackwell established his estate plans, which included leaving £10 million (approximately $15 million) to Gigoo. While the inheritance caused quite a stir—making Gigoo the wealthiest bird in history—it was believed to be a wider philanthropic effort by the Blackwells to draw attention to the need for proper care for all animals, including farm birds like Gigoo. Most of their fortune was left to charitable causes, particularly those supporting animal welfare, sustainable farming, and conservation.