Monthly Archives: July 2023

Menageries at International Exhibitions in the nineteenth century

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Victorian Menageries at Exhibitions

During the Victorian era (1837-1901), exhibitions were a popular form of entertainment and education for the public. These exhibitions showcased various aspects of science, industry, art, and culture, attracting large crowds eager to witness new and exotic discoveries from around the world. One fascinating and recurring attraction at these exhibitions were menageries.

Menageries were collections of live, exotic animals from different parts of the globe, displayed for the public’s amusement and curiosity. They were essentially traveling zoos that brought together a wide variety of creatures that most people in the Victorian era would never have had the chance to see otherwise. Menageries at Victorian exhibitions often included exotic mammals, birds, reptiles, and sometimes even marine life.

Here are some key aspects of menageries that attended Victorian exhibitions:

  1. Diversity of animals: Menageries boasted an impressive diversity of species, ranging from large elephants, lions, and tigers to colorful birds, monkeys, and reptiles. These collections were often gathered from different continents, representing the wonders of the natural world.
  2. Sensationalism and entertainment: Menageries were meant to be captivating and awe-inspiring. They appealed to the public’s fascination with the exotic and unknown, and many people attended these exhibitions to marvel at the spectacle of these rare and wild creatures.
  3. Educational aspects: While the primary goal of menageries was entertainment, they also served an educational purpose. Victorians saw these displays as opportunities to learn about the natural world and expand their knowledge of geography, biology, and wildlife.
  4. Ethical concerns: While many Victorians found menageries thrilling, they also raised ethical questions about the treatment of the animals. Living conditions in these early zoos were often inadequate, and animals were sometimes subjected to unhealthy environments and mistreatment.
  5. Influence on society: Menageries and exhibitions played a role in shaping public perceptions and attitudes towards animals and the natural world. They contributed to the development of zoology as a scientific discipline and fostered a growing interest in conservation and animal welfare.
  6. Legacy and evolution: The concept of menageries continued to evolve over time, leading to the establishment of more modern zoological parks and sanctuaries. These places shifted their focus towards conservation, education, and the overall well-being of animals, moving away from the purely spectacle-oriented approach of Victorian menageries.

One of the most famous examples of a Victorian-era exhibition featuring a menagerie was “The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations” held in London in 1851. This event showcased a wide range of exhibits, including a menagerie featuring live animals from different parts of the world. The inclusion of menageries in such exhibitions was a testament to the allure of exotic wildlife and the thirst for knowledge and adventure that defined the Victorian era.

https://tcr9i.chat.openai.com/v2/1.5.2/enforcement.64b3a4e29686f93d52816249ecbf9857.html#35536E1E-65B4-4D96-9D97-6ADB7EFF8147

Travelling Menageries and our Colonial Past

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The travelling menagerie, which refers to the practice of showcasing exotic animals in traveling shows and circuses, can be understood in the context of imperialism and its association with Great Britain during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The menageries were closely tied to the imperial ambitions of Britain and other European powers during this period. Here are some key points to consider:

Zamah ‘King of Wild Animal Trainers’ Gale and Polden postcard, undated
  1. Imperialism and Exploration: During the height of imperialism, European powers sought to expand their influence and control over vast territories across the globe. Explorers and colonialists ventured into newly acquired territories, discovering and capturing exotic animals they encountered. These animals were brought back to Europe and showcased in travelling menageries as symbols of the empire’s conquests and the exotic lands under their dominion.
  2. Colonial Trade and Exploitation: The establishment of British colonies around the world created networks of trade and exploitation. The capture and transportation of exotic animals were part of this colonial enterprise. These animals were often taken from their natural habitats, sometimes under cruel conditions, and transported long distances to be displayed in Europe. This practice exemplified the exploitation of natural resources and living creatures that was prevalent during the era of imperialism.
  3. Representation of Dominance: The exhibition of exotic animals in travelling menageries served as a display of the British Empire’s dominance and power over foreign lands and peoples. The menageries presented a visual spectacle for the British public, reinforcing the idea of Britain’s superiority over the territories it had colonized.
  4. Cultural Othering and Racism: The showcasing of exotic animals also contributed to the “othering” of non-European cultures. It perpetuated a sense of Western superiority over the “exotic” and “primitive” cultures from which the animals came. This same mindset was applied to indigenous peoples in the colonies, as they were often portrayed as inferior and in need of European guidance and control.
  5. Public Entertainment and Education: Travelling menageries were not only about imperialism and power; they also served as popular forms of entertainment for the British public. People flocked to see these exotic creatures, as many had never encountered such animals before. These exhibitions fed into a growing fascination with the exotic and unknown, contributing to the development of Victorian-era curiosity and interest in the natural world.
  6. Ethical Concerns and Conservation: As attitudes toward animal welfare and conservation evolved over time, the ethics of keeping animals in captivity and displaying them for human entertainment were increasingly questioned. Modern sensibilities recognize the harm caused to both animals and their ecosystems by the practice of capturing and displaying them in menageries.

In conclusion, the travelling menagerie can be seen as a manifestation of British imperialism during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a practice closely tied to the exploration, exploitation, and display of the empire’s conquests, showcasing the exotic and wild aspects of lands under British control. Today, the historical context of the travelling menagerie serves as a reminder of the complexities and consequences of imperialist endeavors and the changing attitudes toward animal welfare and conservation.

Have you seen my dead elephant?

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Wessex Archaelogy are to look for a dead elephant near Kingswood, Bristol. Here’s The Observer link to the report.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/jul/02/archaeologists-hunt-for-burial-site-of-famous-19th-century-elephant-in-gloucestershire

I have doubts they will find much other than bones. Bones with lots of ‘hacks’ on them. At £400 a time the late Victorian menagerist, EH Bostock (or in this case his brother in law Frank Bostock (Little Frank*)), would have extracted as much of the meat from the bones to feed to the other beasts in the menagerie.

However, if they do find anything of the elephant, then the forensics would be interesting. The pit would, of course be large and easy to spot methinks!

Psst! There’s an elephant buried on the banks of The Clyde River. Don’t tell anyone.

There’s one buried at Smithfields market too!

*Not to be confused with E H’s brother Frank (Big Frank)

hattip to Heather for these reliable facts.

Where to bury a dead elephant?

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Image copyright GeorgeWombwell.com 2023, All rights reserved.

There is an emergence of interest in the burial sites of large beasts that died across the country. Most are reported in local newspapers of the time and invariably the beasts passed away as part of a travelling menagerie. Recently, one such animal, an elephant, was reported to have deceased and been buried in a local graveyard in Kingswood, Bristol (1891).

There may be various reasons for burying elephants where they die, but one reason may have its roots in Indian tradition.

The practice of burying an elephant where it dies is rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of India. Elephants hold a special place in Indian culture, where they are revered as sacred and often associated with various Hindu deities such as Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and prosperity.

When an elephant dies, especially in regions where they are considered significant, there is a belief that it should be accorded a respectful farewell and burial. The burial rituals vary depending on the local customs and traditions, but the underlying sentiment remains the same—to honor the majestic creature and ensure its passage to the afterlife.

In some instances, the burial of an elephant may involve a communal effort, with local communities and authorities coming together to perform the rituals. The burial site is often chosen carefully, taking into consideration factors such as proximity to water sources and the elephant’s natural habitat. The process typically involves digging a large pit or trench, deep enough to accommodate the massive body of the elephant.

The burial itself can be a complex and time-consuming process, given the size and weight of an elephant. The local community may use ropes, pulleys, and machinery to carefully lower the elephant’s body into the burial pit. The grave is then covered with soil, forming a mound or raised platform to mark the resting place of the elephant.

The practice of burying elephants holds significance beyond the physical act of burial. It is believed to demonstrate reverence for the animal and symbolize a respectful farewell, ensuring that the elephant’s spirit finds peace in the afterlife. Additionally, burying the elephant near its natural habitat is seen as a way to maintain the ecological balance and pay homage to the creature’s role in the ecosystem.

It is worth noting that the burial of elephants is not a widespread practice throughout India. It is more commonly observed in regions with a long-standing history of human-elephant coexistence, where elephants are revered and considered an integral part of the local culture and mythology.

While burying an elephant is a culturally significant practice, it is also important to consider the environmental impact and practical considerations associated with such burials. Authorities and local communities need to strike a balance between preserving cultural traditions and adhering to environmental regulations to ensure the conservation of the ecosystem.

In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on wildlife conservation and the implementation of more sustainable practices. As a result, alternative methods such as natural decomposition or cremation may be considered as viable options to address the ecological concerns associated with large-scale burials.

Overall, the practice of burying elephants where they die reflects the deep cultural and spiritual connection between the Indian people and these majestic creatures. It serves as a testament to the rich tapestry of traditions and beliefs that shape India’s diverse cultural landscape.