The Exotic Animals of Georgian London

Roaring Lions, Royal Zebras, and Camels

In the 18th century, Londoners didn’t need David Attenborough documentaries to experience the wonders of the animal kingdom. They had something much more immediate—and, often, much louder: live exotic animals, scattered across the city in royal residences, menageries, and inns. From roaring lions on the Strand to zebras grazing at Buckingham Palace, Georgian London was a city enthralled by the strange and marvellous creatures of the wider world.

This fascination wasn’t just about entertainment; it was a reflection of the city’s growing imperial reach and its burgeoning interest in natural history. So, let’s take a walk on the wild side and explore the curious animal attractions that captivated Georgian Londoners.

Exeter Change in 1829. Print by Thomas Shepherd

Buckingham Palace: Zebras and Elephants Fit for a King

Even Buckingham Palace, a symbol of royal power and prestige, played host to its very own menagerie. During the reign of King George III, the palace grounds were home to an impressive collection of exotic animals. These creatures were more than just pets—they were living status symbols, underscoring Britain’s global influence.

Among the standout residents were zebras, then referred to as “striped horses.” To Georgian eyes, these animals seemed almost mythical, their striking black-and-white patterns unlike anything seen in England’s green pastures. Alongside the zebras were elephants, whose size and majesty cemented their place as favourites of royal collections, and monkeys, whose antics must have brought a touch of chaos to palace life.

These royal animals were a point of fascination for visitors, embodying the era’s desire to collect, categorise, and display the wonders of the natural world.

The Strand: Lions That Shook the Streets

Not far from Buckingham Palace, the Strand became another hotspot for exotic animals, thanks to its collection of bustling menageries. Chief among these was the Exeter Exchange, a multi-storey building that became famous—or infamous—for its lions and tigers.

The roars of these big cats were so thunderous that they startled horses passing by on the street and could even be heard by nearby residents, including the writer Charles Lamb, who likely had a less-than-peaceful night’s sleep thanks to his ferocious neighbours.

By the late 18th century, Pidcock’s Menagerie, also based at the Exeter Exchange, expanded the collection to include kangaroos and even a surprisingly docile rhinoceros. This rhinoceros became a minor celebrity, famously immortalised in a painting by George Stubbs.

The menagerie at the Exeter Exchange, The Strand

Tottenham Court Road: Birds, Lions, and Porcupines

If the Strand had lions, Tottenham Court Road had variety. Joshua Brookes’s Menagerie was famed for its eclectic mix of exotic birds, lions, antelopes, monkeys, and porcupines. It catered to a growing audience of Londoners eager to see the strange and wonderful animals being brought to the capital from all corners of the globe.

This menagerie was part of a broader trend in Georgian London: turning the city into a showcase for Britain’s imperial spoils. These animals, transported over vast distances, were not just curiosities—they were symbols of a world being reshaped by exploration, trade, and colonisation.

The Talbot Inn: Camels on the Strand

Not to be outdone by its neighbours, the Talbot Inn on the Strand boasted its own exotic residents: camels. These desert animals, with their humped backs and languid demeanour, were a novelty to Londoners used to horses and cattle.

The presence of camels at the Talbot Inn added to the Strand’s reputation as a centre of spectacle and wonder. Here, exotic animals weren’t just confined to private collections or royal palaces—they were accessible to the public, albeit for a fee.

The Legacy of London’s Menageries

The menageries of Georgian London were far from the animal-friendly institutions we know today. Conditions were often cramped, and the creatures’ welfare wasn’t exactly a priority. But these collections played a significant role in shaping public interest in zoology and natural history.

By the early 19th century, the idea of displaying animals for public education began to take hold, paving the way for the founding of London Zoo in 1828. Unlike the menageries of the past, London Zoo aimed to combine spectacle with science, creating a space where animals could be studied and admired in more humane surroundings.

Why Georgian London Loved Exotic Animals

The 18th century was a time of exploration and empire, and London was at the heart of it all. Exotic animals were more than just curiosities—they were symbols of Britain’s growing reach and the wealth of its colonies. A zebra at Buckingham Palace or a lion on the Strand wasn’t just an animal; it was a living testament to the far-flung places now connected to the British Empire.

For Londoners, visiting a menagerie offered a chance to experience the wonders of the world without ever leaving the city. It was part education, part entertainment, and part status symbol—a microcosm of Georgian society’s fascination with the new and the extraordinary.

A Roaring Success

From the zebras at Buckingham Palace to the roaring lions of the Strand, Georgian London was a city alive with exotic wonders. These animals—whether grazing on royal grounds or growling in cramped cages—were part of a broader cultural moment, one that celebrated exploration and curiosity while also reflecting the complexities of empire.

Today, while we may balk at the idea of a tiger in a multi-storey building or a camel at an inn, it’s impossible to deny the enduring fascination these creatures inspired. They remind us of a time when London was not just a centre of commerce and politics, but a city where the wonders of the world could be seen, heard, and occasionally roared at, just around the corner.


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