Billionaire John Paul DeJoria made his 96-acre Texas property into a home for exotic animals. More than 120 once roamed the estate

For billionaire entrepreneur John Paul DeJoria, animals have been part of his philanthropic work for years. His family foundation says it has supported animal protection and conservation since 2011, while his Texas estate once became home to around 120 exotic animals.

The property, located in Dripping Springs near Austin, stretched across 96 acres. Business Insider, citing The Wall Street Journal, reported that gazelles, wildebeest and antelopes lived across the estate.

The property was later sold for $6.93 million, according to Business Insider. It had originally been listed for $7.995 million in 2015 before its asking price was reduced the following year.

A Texas estate with an unusual population

The 7,500-square-foot main house was not the only notable feature of DeJoria's property. The land itself provided space for a large collection of animals.

Business Insider described roughly 120 gazelles, wildebeest and antelopes as part of the estate. The property's buyer, television producer Jonathan Nowzaradan, told the WSJ, "It feels like you're on an African safari."

The estate also included a fully stocked underground bomb shelter. Nowzaradan joked about its usefulness, saying, "I suppose if Armageddon comes I'll be prepared," according to the WSJ report cited by Business Insider.

While the property has since changed hands, DeJoria's involvement with animal causes extends beyond his own estate.

Animal protection became part of his family foundation

DeJoria and his family established JP's Peace, Love and Happiness Foundation in 2011. According to the foundation, its work focuses on spreading peace, love and happiness by investing in people, protecting animals and conserving the environment.

The Austin-based foundation works with partners around the world, with its grants and investments shaped in part by the interests and relationships of the DeJoria family.

His daughter Alexis DeJoria, an NHRA racing driver, is also described by the foundation as being passionate about environmental and animal conservation.

The foundation's work covers several other areas as well, including veterans' causes, waterways and support for people struggling with homelessness.

Support for animal rescue organisations

DeJoria's animal advocacy has also included support for rescue organisations. His company website specifically lists Big Dog Ranch Rescue among the organisations supported through his philanthropic work.

That work has taken on another public dimension this year.

Resident reported that NYC Second Chance Rescue honoured DeJoria at its annual Concert for a Cause, held at a private estate in Bridgehampton on August 21, 2026. The event also marked the world introduction of Pawpoint.

The organisation, founded in 2009, has rescued more than 17,000 dogs and cats from overcrowded municipal shelters, according to Resident. It focuses particularly on vulnerable animals, including large-breed dogs and critically injured or medically complex cats and dogs.

A long-running philanthropic effort

DeJoria is best known for co-founding John Paul Mitchell Systems with hairdresser Paul Mitchell in 1980. He later co-founded Patrón Spirits Company and has been involved in several other businesses.

Forbes estimated his real-time net worth at $3.1 billion as of October 2, 2026.

But his family foundation's work shows that philanthropy has remained another major part of his public activities. The foundation says DeJoria signed the Giving Pledge in 2011, the same year he established the organisation with his family.

At the Bridgehampton event, DeJoria said he was honoured by NYC Second Chance Rescue and praised its commitment to animals.

"I am grateful to be part of an evening that will help so many animals in need," he said, according to Resident.