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Artworks
In 1235, Henry III (1216-72) was presented with three 'leopards' (probably lions but referred to as leopards in the heraldry on the king's shield) by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. The gift inspired the King to start a zoo at the Tower.
Over time the collection of animals grew: the lions were joined by a polar bear in 1252 and an African elephant in 1255. The Barbary lions are placed next to the drawbridge entrance to the Tower, on the site of the old Lion Tower (named after the beasts kept there) which was demolished in the 1800s.
This image shows the lioness in Kendra's studio prior to installtion.Photo by Matthew Hollow