Earlier in 2016 HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh unveil Land of the Lions at ZSL London Zoo but ZSL has other historic links with the Royal family and Indian animals.
In May 1876, a collection of Indian animals arrived at ZSL London Zoo, they were brought here by the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) and collected by him on his tour of India. There were 151 animals of which 65 were mammals and 86 were birds. (1) He was subsequently awarded with ZSL’s Gold medal. It was presented to him at Marlborough House on 7 June 1877 by ZSL’s President, Vice-Presidents and Secretary.(3)
There was considerable interest in these Indian animals leading to an huge increase in visitors to 915,764 in 1876 compared to 699,918 in 1875. (4)
In the Guide to the Gardens of the Zoological Society of London 30th ed. / by Philip Lutley Sclater, in 1876 (2) the following lists were published :
His son the Prince of Wales (later George V) also presented a collection of Indian animals from his tour of India in 1905 and 1906. A book by Frank Finn was published listing these animals along with some photographs of some of the animals (5), see below for a scan of this book.
Further reading
Please note that the numbers in brackets above refer to the references in this list
1)The Zoological Society of London: a sketch of its foundation and development …. / Henry Scherren, London : Cassell, 1905 p 164 and 165
2) Guide to the Gardens of the Zoological Society, 30th ed. / by Philip Lutley Sclater, London : Bradbury, Agnew &Co., 1876 – contains a list of the animals presented in 1876 by the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII)
3) Annual report / Zoological Society, April 1878 p. 5.
4) Annual report/ Zoological Society 1878 p. 24
5) Guide to the Prince of Wales collection of Indian animals, Zoological Gardens, Regent’s Park by Frank Finn, London : Zoological Society, [1906] These are the animals presented by the then Prince of Wales, later to become George V.
Read more of the Artefact of the Month blog posts
Visit our library collection
If you are a ZSL Fellow or Member please do also visit ZSL Library. Others are also welcome but please do bring photographic ID and proof of address when you visit, see ZSL Library Collection for details. ZSL Fellows may borrow post-1940 books from ZSL LIbrary.
ZSL Library is open weekdays 9.30am to 5.30pm but is closed on bank holidays.
Select a blog
Our people are our greatest asset and we realise our vision for a world where wildlife thrives through their ideas, skills and passion. An inspired, informed and empowered community of people work, study and volunteer together at ZSL.
A blog for lovers of ZSL London Zoo, bringing you extraordinary animal facts and exclusive access to the world's oldest scientific zoo.
Do you love wildlife? Discover more about our amazing animals at the UK's biggest zoo!
We're working around the world to conserve animals and their habitats, find out more about our latest achievements.
From the field to the lab, catch up with the scientists on the cutting edge of conservation biology at ZSL’s Institute of Zoology.
A day in Discovery and Learning at ZSL is never dull! The team tell us all about the exciting sessions for school children, as well as work further afield.
Every month, one of the pieces held in ZSL’s Library and at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo will feature here as Artefact of the Month.
Read testimonials from our Members and extracts from ZSL's award winning members' magazine, Wild About.
The Chagos archipelago is a rare haven for marine biodiversity. Hear from the team about our projects to protect the environments in the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
ZSL works across Asia, from the famous national parks of Nepal to marine protected areas in the Philippines. Read the latest updates on our conservation.
An Open Access journal for research at the interface of remote sensing, ecology and conservation.
