Walter Rothschild Zoological Museum Museums

The Zoological Museum has been part of the Natural History Museum since 1937, but it was once the private museum of Lionel Walter, 2nd Baron Rothschild, who moved with his family to Tring Park in 1872. Lionel Walter Rothschild was born in 1868, the eldest son of Nathan Mayer, 1st Baron Rothschild of Tring, head of the distinguished firm of merchant bankers NM Rothschild & Sons and Member of Parliament for Aylesbury.

Visit the galleries and come face to face with a full-sized gorilla, a huge anaconda or an extinct giant moa, just a few of the 4,000 animals on display!

From lions to lyrebirds and tigers to toucans, Gallery 1 contains a range and diversity of species that will amaze you!

Step back in time to Lord Rothschild's office and experience the surroundings in which Walter and his curators worked.

Marvel at the bewildering array of fish, both colourful and bizarre - a perfect illustration of the diversity of form and function present in the living world.

Lord Rothschild's fascination with zebras is illustrated by this remarkable collection of all the main species, including the extinct quagga.

Look up on top of the cases and wonder at the enormous bull elephant seal, then try to work out how Lord Rothschild got it up there!

A treasure trove of odd-looking creatures such as aardvarks, pangolins, a duck-billed platypus, a two-metre-long leathery turtle and two giant snakes and, if that is not enough, 88 domestic dogs as well!

The Museum covers a large site and has extensive facilities including a cafe, a gift shop, a discovery room, two outdoor picnic areas and free car parking.

Step-free access to the ground floor of the Walter Rothschild Zoological Museum includes the shop, cafe, unisex toilet, Gallery 1, and The Rothschild Room in which temporary exhibitions and special events are held.