In the heart of 18th-century London, a remarkable figure with a taste for the unconventional was turning his garden into something like a cross between Noah’s Ark and a surgical experiment. Dr. John Hunter, the Scottish-born “father of modern surgery,” didn’t just dabble in medicine; he cultivated a menagerie of exotic animals, all in the name of science (and a bit of personal curiosity). The garden at his Leicester Square residence became infamous for housing animals that most Londoners had only read about or seen in exotic illustrations. From zebras to leopards and everything in between, Hunter’s menagerie was a sight that made the rounds in London society.

The Collection of a Madman (or a Genius?)
Hunter’s menagerie wasn’t a passing fancy or an odd hobby; he was a scientist with a mission. To understand the human body and disease, he believed he needed to understand animals too. This led to him collecting a veritable zoo of creatures: leopards, stags, wild boars, and even a zebra that delighted his neighbors (when it wasn’t breaking out). His animals weren’t just garden ornaments, either. Hunter would study them closely, noting their physical characteristics, behaviors, and, in some cases, dissecting them to learn about their anatomy.
He was known for his relentless curiosity and determination to understand the mechanics of life and death, believing that studying exotic animals could reveal secrets applicable to human health. And, in true 18th-century eccentric style, if that meant collecting a literal zoo to observe the inner workings of these animals, then so be it.

When the Neighbors Came Knocking
Hunter’s choice to house wild animals in his garden, unsurprisingly, didn’t sit well with his Leicester Square neighbors. Complaints were frequent, and perhaps rightly so, considering that a quick jaunt around Hunter’s property could mean encountering anything from a gentle deer to a considerably less gentle wild boar. Then there were the regular escapes—his zebra, for instance, reportedly made occasional bids for freedom, galloping down the streets of London to the bemusement and terror of onlookers. The neighborhood found it all a bit much, but Dr. Hunter was unbothered by the criticism, convinced that his animals were essential for the progression of science.
The Star Attraction: Hunter and His Crocodile
Perhaps one of the most infamous residents of Hunter’s menagerie was a crocodile. The creature, often used as a threat to misbehaving servants and wayward visitors, added a dramatic flair to Hunter’s collection. He was known to show off the crocodile to guests, dangling bits of food near its jaws while providing live demonstrations of anatomy and predation. The crocodile became a symbol of Hunter’s daring approach to science, bridging the line between spectacle and scientific inquiry in a way that left visitors both enthralled and slightly horrified.
A Legacy in Bones: Hunter’s Cabinet of Curiosities
The animals of Hunter’s menagerie served another purpose: they contributed to his ever-growing “Cabinet of Curiosities,” a collection of preserved specimens that he meticulously organized and documented. Bones, organs, tissues—all were collected, preserved, and displayed. Hunter’s home became an anatomy museum, filled with preserved organs, skeletons, and models from his deceased menagerie members. These specimens would go on to inspire generations of medical students, offering a visual history of anatomical research.

Today, the Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons in London houses many remnants of his collection, a testament to Hunter’s dedication to medical advancement. Though the living animals are gone, the preserved remnants of Hunter’s studies still amaze (and sometimes alarm) visitors. His collection has become a remarkable historical record, showing the lengths he went to for knowledge and his unflinching fascination with life, death, and everything in between.

Dr. John Hunter: Mad Scientist or Pioneer?
Dr. John Hunter’s animal-filled garden was more than just a curiosity—it was a reflection of his philosophy. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Hunter believed in direct observation, experimentation, and pushing boundaries to unlock medical insights. Today, he’s credited with transforming surgery from a risky, often lethal procedure into a respected medical science. His work with animals gave him a deeper understanding of human anatomy and disease, shaping much of modern surgery and medical practice.
But his legacy is as colorful as it is scientific. The neighbors’ grievances, the escaped zebra, and the lurking crocodile have made Hunter as much a figure of urban legend as he is of science. In some ways, he was the quintessential eccentric scientist, undeterred by convention and driven by relentless curiosity. His menagerie may have long since disbanded, but his methods, his eccentricity, and his bold approach to science remain etched into the history of London and the world of medicine. And in the end, perhaps Dr. Hunter wasn’t just collecting animals—he was gathering inspiration, mystery, and a bit of danger, all to reveal the mysteries of life.