Whether you’re a cat person or prefer things a little ‘ruffer with dogs, we are nothing without our pets and fabulous furry friends. However, our love for pets and animals looked extremely different just over a century ago, especially if you were an affluent person from the higher classes.
Owning exotic pets has been a huge part of the global culture for centuries, with the first recorded ownership of exotic, unusual, and non-domesticated animals dating back to ancient Egypt. However, it wasn’t an official trade until the early 15th century, when sailing became an established norm for trading.
Reminence of this questionable quirk remains to this day (Tiger King, anyone?), with some of the most sought-after pets such as reptiles and fish, still considered to be exotic pets.
As for London, one of the undisputed exotic pet hotspots was Harrods, with their now-gone Pet Kingdom offering a plethora of animals to purchase for decades. This section of the department store opened in 1917, offering a menagerie of exotic animals and fascinating species. It’s surprising to many (especially our London newbies), that the pet shop didn’t leave Harrods until 2014.
However, the Endangered Species Act was established in 1973, changing the Pet Kingdom forever. It quickly needed to evolve with the times, switching out their elephants, lions, and monkeys for dogs, cats, and guinea pigs.
Notable purchases before this change include Canadian actress Beatrice Lillie, who bought an alligator for Noël Coward in 1951, as well as Ronald Reagan, who ordered a baby elephant named Gertie for a Republican party rally in 1967. Other popular animals included lions, panthers, and even camels; it was truly a jungle out there.
There was even a ring-tailed Lemur living inside one of London’s lavish palaces, with the current architecture and displays paying homage to this cheeky character. For more information on this beloved lemur and his palace, click here to read our article.
After the Endangered Species Act, Harrods’ Pet Kingdom focused on more domestic and prosaic animals such as dogs, cats, and hamsters, as well as a focus on grooming with an all-new pet spa. However, the section of the store eventually closed in 2014, ending this intriguing chapter of Harrod’s history.
Pet Kingdom was located on the fourth floor of Harrods, since becoming an extension of their womenswear department. You can find Harrods on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge. Visit their website, here.