It may come as a surprise, but there have been a few US presidents who kept exotic pets during their time in office. One of the most notable examples is President John Quincy Adams, who owned an alligator named "Alligator" as a pet.

Which President Owned a Pet Alligator?

The Alligator in the White House

In 1825, President Adams received a gift of an alligator from the Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat and military officer who had fought alongside George Washington in the American Revolutionary War. The alligator was approximately two feet long at the time and was housed in the East Room of the White House.

Despite its unusual living conditions, the alligator appeared to thrive in the White House. It was reportedly fed raw meat and became a popular attraction for visitors and guests. However, its presence in the presidential residence was controversial, with some people expressing concerns about the safety of the alligator and the appropriateness of keeping such an exotic animal in the White House.

The Alligator's Fate

In 1835, President Adams decided to give the alligator to the Smithsonian Institution, where it lived for several years before eventually passing away. The alligator's remains are now on display at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

Other Presidential Pets

President Adams was not the only president to keep exotic pets. President Thomas Jefferson owned a mockingbird named "Dick," while President Andrew Jackson had a pet parrot named "Polly." President Theodore Roosevelt kept a variety of pets, including a bear named "Jonathan Edwards" and a hyena named "Sheba."

Conclusion

The practice of keeping exotic pets in the White House has largely faded away in recent years. However, the stories of presidents like John Quincy Adams and their unusual pets continue to capture the imagination of the public and provide a glimpse into the unique personalities and interests of the men who have served as leaders of the United States.