Emperors Exotic Pets A Lighthearted Look at Chinas
The Peculiar Case of the Giant Panda
In ancient China, giant pandas were considered a delicacy and a symbol of royalty. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), emperors would often keep giant pandas in their palaces as exotic pets. The animals were pampered with special diets and even had their own staff to care for them. One legendary panda named "Chang'an" was so beloved that it was said to have been fed by the emperor himself.
The Unlikely Allure of Elephants
Elephants have long been revered in Chinese culture for their strength and wisdom, but did you know they were also kept as pets by some emperors? In the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Emperor Taizong kept an elephant named "Jiandu" as his loyal companion. The elephant would follow him everywhere, even on official visits.
The Forgotten Felines: The Lion-Dogs of Ancient China
Lion-dogs or shishi are mythical creatures that originated from Chinese folklore, but during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE), real lions were occasionally kept as pets by wealthy families and nobles. These exotic felines would roam freely around gardens and courtyards, adding a touch of wild elegance to royal residences.
A Tiger's Tale: Emperors' Wild Pets
Tigers have always held a special place in Chinese culture due to their majestic appearance and fearsome reputation on the battlefield. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), one emperor is known to have owned two tigers which he used for hunting trips deep into the mountains.
Unconventional Companions: Crocodiles in Imperial Palaces
Crocodiles may seem like an unusual choice for a pet today, but during ancient times they held spiritual significance due to their longevity and ferocity on land and water alike! According to historical records from Song Dynasty courtsmen often received crocodile skins as gifts from imperial officials – who knows if there weren't any live ones hidden away somewhere too?
