OVER the years the Queen has been given a number of exotic animals as gifts, including a crocodile, two jaguars, a pair of hippos and an elephant which she flew back to the UK.
During her impressive 65-year reign, the 94-year-old has racked up a few air miles visiting 116 countries during 265 official visits.
When abroad hosts generally presented gifts to her, or sent them to commemorate significant milestones – such as her coronation.
When she ascended the throne in 1953, she was gifted two stallions and two ponies from King Faisal of Iraq, the Imam of Yemen and President Perón of Argentina.
The Queen’s love of horses is well-known, and over the decades she’s been given at least 14 different animals.
But she’s received some more exotic breeds, including two pygmy hippopotami from President Tubman of Liberia in 1961, who were later sent to ZSL London Zoo.
A crocodile, called Mansa, which she received the same year from the People of Berending on the Gambia River, was also given a home at the zoo.
In 1968 the Queen was presented with a sloth and two jaguars, called Marques and Aizita, from the Prefect of Brasília, who joined the croc and hippos at the zoo.
One of the most famous animals Her Maj was given was an African forest elephant, called Jumbo.
President Ahidjo, of Cameroon, gave Jumbo to the Queen in 1972, and the monarch flew him over to the UK on a special flight.
The 589kg animal was given bananas, avocados and sugar during the flight, and was eventually sent to Whipsnade zoo.
Documenting the Queen’s menagerie, The Royal Collection Trust said: “During her reign The Queen has received many animals as official gifts.
“These have included a number of horses, some of which have been used for riding, others for carriage driving.
“More exotic animals have been cared for at ZSL London and Whipsnade.
“Recent animal gifts have often remained in their home country, such as the white Nguni bull presented by the King of the Zulus in South Africa in 1995.”
Meanwhile she gave a rare glimpse inside the Palace of Holyrood which has a giant painting of her in Victoria’s dining room.
In more royal news, all the wardrobes in the Queen’s bedroom are empty – she has a whole FLOOR at the palaces for her clothes instead.
Plus Her Maj once visited the set of Coronation Street & Prince Philip was offered a pint in the Rovers Return.
