President Calvin Coolidge (1923-1929) kept several unusual “pets” at the White House, including a bobcat, bear cub, pygmy hippo, wallaby, lion cub, antelope, white goose, raccoon, and a donkey named Ebeneezer.

According to the MSNBC news site, Teddy Roosevelt owned a pet zebra, among an impressive list of other “exotic” animals that included wild cats, bears, snakes/lizzards, birds, and raccoons

In 1828, the donkey became the standard bearer of the Democratic party. By 1954, the elephant became the standard-bearer of the Republican party.

During the Civil War, the rebels captured 40 mules and an Army General. When Abraham Lincoln heard the news, he was quoted as replying, “I’m sorry to lose those mules.”

(This Page last updated: August 25, 2001)