Hugh Hefner's dark legacy: Last wife reveals grim animal conditions in Playboy Mansion

Hugh Hefner, the notable figure behind "Playboy" and owner of the illustrious mansion inhabited by his devoted "bunnies," was primarily esteemed as a legend. However, his death in 2017 also marked a turnaround in the brand's reputation, as more women began voicing their experiences of abuse at the hands of the millionaire. After 7 years of silence, Crystal Hefner opened up about the challenges of living with a man six decades her senior. Her vital accounts were recently published, painting a picture of a once-glamorous mansion that had fallen into neglect over the years, imposing stringent rules that considerably hampered the residents' sense of freedom.

Among the startling and distressing recollections shared by Crystal Hefner was the plight of animals housed at the Playboy Mansion. Hefner, the proprietor of the erotically charged empire, frequently expressed his fondness for exotic birds, and visitors could often spot peacocks and flamingos in his garden. However, the millionaire's widow shared that the birds living on the mansion's grounds were often left thirsty and unattended. The 37-year-old revealed that she was frequently "in tears," troubled by the grim conditions faced by these "poor little birds."

In an interview with "People," she went on to describe that other animals, caged on the mansion grounds, were also subjected to ill-treatment. Hefner had an official license to operate a zoo, and according to media reports, he also housed animals like rabbits and monkeys on his property.

"Passing by the cages, it was clear how oppressed and sad all these animals were. None of them seemed happy," Crystal Hefner recalled.