The Animals Of Historical Characters
Are you curious to discover the animals of historical characters ? Today we know almost everything about the life, achievements, deeds and curiosities of the most famous celebrities on an international level. Many of them have often had a very special bond with Nature.
If you want to know the animals of the most important historical figures , do not miss the following article.
The link between historical characters and animals
Importantly, there is a fundamental difference between domestic and exotic pets. A wild animal, if it is domesticated, however, always maintains attitudes that can be annoying or even dangerous.
Without forgetting the possible diseases that can also affect humans. For these very reasons, captive breeding of many exotic species is considered a crime.
However, in the past, this type of protection did not exist. Many historical figures, therefore, have been given as gifts or acquired really unusual animals that are worth talking about.
Let’s see 6 very interesting examples of quirky pets, kept by personalities we all know:
1. Elvis Presley’s wallaby
The “King of Rock” was a true lover of animals and has had quite a considerable number of them all his life. At his residence, Elvis raised dogs, chickens, pigs, geese, goats and even tried to tame a wallaby.
This curious animal was given to him by some Australian fans at the end of a series of concerts in the 1950s.
Wallabies are marsupial mammals that resemble kangaroos, but are smaller and have slightly different habits.
After unsuccessful attempts at domestication, Elvis decided to donate his wallaby to the Memphis Zoo. But the king of rock’s relationship with this animal did not end there. In 1962, Elvis again donated a wallaby to the same park.
2. Josephine Baker’s cheetah
The celebrated dancer Josephine Baker also had many exotic pets during her career. But, without a doubt, the most famous was Chiquita . It was a female cheetah that was given to her by the owner of the theater where she performed.
The photos of her on the street in Paris with this cat on a leash are truly deplorable.
C hiquita was used in several music and dance shows with Baker herself. Its success was so remarkable that tourists and visitors from all over Europe paid a fortune to attend these shows in the French capital.
3. John Quincy Adams was given an alligator
John Quincy Adams was the sixth president of the United States and one of its most distinctive historical figures.
In addition to his achievements as a politician, it is striking that he chose an alligator as a pet, even keeping it in the White House.
The animal was given to him by Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette during his visits to the United States between 1824 and 1825. Adams’ alligator is said to have lived in the East Room bathtub for a few years.
However, this is not the only case of the presence of these huge reptiles within the walls of the White House.
During the 1930s, Hebert Hoover’s son (31st US President) used to visit his father with the two alligators he kept as pets.
4. A deer for Frida Kahlo
Diego Rivera and his brilliant wife Frida Kahlo adopted and kept large numbers of wild animals in their home. In addition to their beloved dogs , the couple tried to tame monkeys, wild birds, and even a deer called Granizo.
This animal was very important in Frida’s life. To such an extent that it served as inspiration for his famous painting The Wounded Deer .
Here, the Mexican painter portrays the animal, shot by nine arrows, replacing its face with the head of the deer.
5. Audrey Hepburn’s fawn
Audrey Hepburn is, without a doubt, one of Hollywood’s most loved and recognized film actresses and icons. In 1959, after the shooting of Verdi abodes , Hepburn decided to keep the fawn that appeared in the films for herself.
She adopted him as a real pet, calling him Pippin and lovingly feeding him with a bottle.
In a short time the relationship became very special and Pippin followed the actress as if she were his mom. At the end of the shoot, however, the two had to separate.
6. Lord Byron had a bear as a mascot
The poet Lord Byron is one of the most important historical figures in international culture. In 1805 he went to study at Trinity College with the intention of taking his Boatswain dog with him.
However, the institution did not allow the presence of dogs and had to give up the company of a faithful friend.
After repeated refusals by Trinity College, Byron chose cunning to bypass a rule he considered unfair. The poet then presented himself with a bear, declaring that since there were no prohibitions on the matter, this was entirely legitimate. The management of the famous university could not help but accept the presence of this bulky animal.
What do you think of the animals of historical characters?
