Political zoo
When an alligator lived in the White House—and 9 more presidential pets
Image: Clovis Wood
From alligators in bathtubs to bears roaming the lawn, U.S. presidents have kept some truly bizarre animals as pets. These creatures weren’t just conversation pieces—they reflected the quirks, ambitions, and historical moments of the presidents who owned them. Here are 10 of the strangest, wildest, and most unexpected pets ever to call 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue home.
1
John Quincy Adams’ alligator
Image: Robert Zunikoff
Adams kept an alligator in the White House bathtub, a gift from Marquis de Lafayette. Guests were reportedly startled by the reptile for months before it was relocated.
However, recent historians believe the story may be more myth than fact, reflecting the perceived eccentricity of both Adams and Lafayette rather than actual events.
2
Theodore Roosevelt’s badger
Image: Vincent van Zalinge
It’s clear that Teddy Roosevelt was an animal lover, keeping some of the most bizarre and unusual pets in White House history.
When Roosevelt’s children received a badger named "Josiah" from a girl in Kansas, the president didn’t hesitate to welcome it into the family home. The mischievous animal, however, often nipped at people’s ankles—including White House staff.
3
Martin Van Buren’s tiger cubs
Image: Mystery Cat
Yes—tiger cubs, plural. The Sultan of Oman gifted Van Buren two tiger cubs, but Congress demanded he surrender them to a zoo, citing laws against presidential gifts.
Van Buren fought to keep them but ultimately lost, and the cubs ended up in a public collection, marking one of the earliest disputes over presidential ethics and gifts.
4
Andrew Jackson’s parrot
Image: Ilona Frey
Jackson’s parrot, "Polly" learned to swear so well that it had to be removed from his funeral for cursing during the ceremony.
Known for his fiery temper, Jackson likely found the bird’s language amusing. Polly’s notorious vocabulary made it one of the earliest infamous pets in U.S. political lore.
5
James Buchanan’s elephant
Image: Wolfgang Hasselmann
This was a case of "almost." The King of Siam offered Buchanan a herd of elephants, suggesting they could breed in America. However, Buchanan politely declined—perhaps recalling Van Buren’s short-lived tiger ordeal? Still, he did maintain other exotic animals in Washington.
6
Abraham Lincoln’s turkey
Image: Tyler Jamieson Moulton
Lincoln’s son Tad named their Thanksgiving turkey "Jack" and begged his father to spare it—a story said to inspire the later turkey pardon tradition.
Jack roamed the White House freely and even followed Tad around, charming guests with his odd pet status.
7
Calvin Coolidge’s raccoon
Image: Joshua J. Cotten
Originally sent to be eaten at Thanksgiving—yes, eating raccoon wasn’t that unusual back then—"Rebecca" the raccoon was spared and became a pet. Coolidge even walked her on a leash around the White House gardens.
Rebecca had a custom house and enjoyed baths. Coolidge adored animals and also kept a wallaby, a bobcat, and even pygmy hippos!
8
Theodore Roosevelt’s hyena
Image: Matt Burke
By modern standards, it sounds insane, but Roosevelt was once gifted a hyena named "Bill" by an Ethiopian emperor—and he found the animal surprisingly affectionate.
Bill often roamed the White House lawn freely before eventually being sent to the Smithsonian, adding another chapter to Roosevelt’s legendary fascination with wildlife.
9
Woodrow Wilson’s sheep
Image: Sam Carter
During World War I, Wilson let sheep graze the White House lawn to save labor and raise war funds by auctioning their wool.
The move doubled as an environmental gesture and patriotic fundraiser. "Old Ike," a ram, became infamous for butting staff members and reporters alike.
10
Theodore Roosevelt’s bear cub
Image: Alla Kemelmakher
A black bear named "Jonathan Edwards" was among Roosevelt’s pets, inspired by his love of hunting and the outdoors.
Though kept briefly, the bear contributed to Roosevelt’s reputation as an adventurer—one that even inspired the creation of the "Teddy bear."
