I think you're right about shock value, and perhaps its a little bragging about being in a financial position to feed expensive animals. For some the attitude is "what good is having money if you can't flaunt it?" Regardless, it is their prerogative however misguided we may believe it to be, and the fact we are posting about it just gives it weight. Ever hear the saying, "There's no such thing as good or bad publicity, it's just publicity"?