DeJoria Sells Texas Ranch With 120 Exotic Animals for $6.93 Million

The deal closed at $6.93 million, a price point that reflects the unique, high-maintenance nature of the asset. Jonathan Nowzaradan, a television director, bought the 96-acre property in Dripping Springs, Texas, which sits about 40 minutes west of Austin. This isn't just real estate. It’s a living, breathing ecosystem that comes with a substantial financial and legal burden attached to every gazelle and wildebeest on the land.

DeJoria had owned "Patrón de Paz" since 2008. He stocked the property with more than 120 exotic African animals, including antelopes and wildebeest, alongside a 7,540-square-foot main house with wood-beamed ceilings and a commercial-grade kitchen. The estate also features two barns with guest quarters, a stocked pond, a pecan orchard, and a 2,700-square-foot underground shelter. Realtor Dave Murray confirmed DeJoria was liquidating several global estates at the time, with this ranch serving as a significant part of that exit strategy.

The complexity of the sale goes beyond the square footage. Owning this many exotic species requires rigorous compliance with wildlife regulations, specialized veterinary care, and secure containment. The previous listing in 2016 had asked for $7.495 million, suggesting a long road to finding a buyer willing to absorb both the luxury and the logistical nightmare of managing a private zoo. The creek-side location along Fitzhugh Creek adds to the appeal, but the animals are the defining, non-negotiable feature of the inventory.

Nowzaradan steps into a role that demands immediate attention to animal welfare and property security. The transfer includes the furnishings and the animals, meaning the new owner inherits the operational responsibilities of the ranch effectively on day one. As the Hill Country real estate market continues to attract high-net-worth individuals, this sale stands out as a niche transaction where the wildlife is arguably the primary product, not the house.