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Buy Tower of London ticketsExplore tales of the surprising animals kept at the Tower
Discover the many exotic animals kept at the Tower in the Royal Beasts exhibition at the Tower of London. For over 600 years, animals were held captive at the Tower in the Royal Menagerie – including lions, tigers, monkeys, elephants, zebras, alligators, bears and kangaroos.
Learn about the polar bear who fished in the Thames for his lunch, the ostrich who ate nails and many other surprising stories during your visit to the Tower.
Experience the sights, sounds, and even smells of the animals through interactive displays and find out what happened when the royal beasts escaped...
Status symbols and extravagant gifts
Founded by King John in the early 1200s, the Royal Menagerie became home to more than 60 species of animal. This began a long tradition of kings and queens keeping exotic animals as symbols of power and for the entertainment and curiosity of the court.
Animals were also exchanged throughout Europe as regal gifts, but sadly, they were often mistreated.
Learn more about the Tower of London MenagerieLife-size animal sculptures
As you explore around the Tower of London, you will see many life-size sculptures of menagerie animals by artist, Kendra Haste.
What animals can you find?
Other institutions at the Tower
The Royal Menagerie is one of the many institutions founded at the Tower of London. Others include The Royal Mint and The Royal Observatory.
While some organisations moved out and other functions ceased, many operated for hundreds of years.
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Fortress
Explore the Tower of London’s early years as a formidable fortress and discover why it has been both feared and revered.
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Medieval Palace
Newly refurbished in May 2025, discover the colour, splendour, and people of the medieval Tower of London.
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- Tours and talks
Yeoman Warder tours
Tour the Tower of London with a famous Yeoman Warder during your visit. Be entertained by tales of intrigue, imprisonment, execution, torture and much more...
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Daily
- Tours begin every 45 minutes
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Browse more History and stories
The Tower of London Menagerie
For over 600 years, the Tower housed a menagerie of exotic wild animals
The Medieval Palace
Luxurious royal lodgings from the 1200s
Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot
Who was the real Guy Fawkes, the man behind the mask?
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Shop Tower of London
Shop our unique collection of gifts and souvenirs inspired by the almost 1000 years of history at the Tower of London.
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Shop Medieval
Step back in time with our medieval inspiration collection, full of fascinating ornaments and homewares for your collection.
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Official Tower of London Guidebook
Descriptive, informative, authoritative - this superb guidebook is the best way to learn all there is about the Tower of London.
£4.99