Exotic animals were kept at the Tower for over 600s years; bears, lions, snakes, monkeys, ostriches. Collecting these animals was a sign of wealth and power of the royalty. Visitors were allowed at the Royal Menagerie. A woman died of injuries because she tried to pet a lion’s paw (1686). The Royal Beasts were moved to the London Zoo in 1832. The only animals that remain are the ravens. According to legend, if the ravens ever leave, the White Tower will crumble, and the kingdom will fall. So a Ravenmaster and assistants look after the Tower ravens.
Tower of London
Tower of London
Tower of London
Exotic animals were kept at the Tower for over 600s years; bears, lions, snakes, monkeys, ostriches. Collecting these animals was a sign of wealth and power of the royalty. Visitors were allowed at the Royal Menagerie. A woman died of injuries because she tried to pet a lion’s paw (1686). The Royal Beasts were moved to the London Zoo in 1832. The only animals that remain are the ravens. According to legend, if the ravens ever leave, the White Tower will crumble, and the kingdom will fall. So a Ravenmaster and assistants look after the Tower ravens.