Unusual Animals at the White House

Gallery

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This photograph by Frances Benjamin Johnston shows Theodore Roosevelt III, referred to as "Jr." and son of President Theodore Roosevelt, with his pet macaw, Eli Yale. The macaw's namesake, Elihu Yale, was the benefactor for Yale University.
Library of Congress
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This black and white photograph is of President William Howard Taft's pet cow, Pauline Wayne, with an unidentified girl on the South Lawn.
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This photograph by Harris & Ewing shows President Woodrow Wilson's sheep grazing on the South Lawn. Instead of using groundskeepers to cut the grass, the sheep grazed on the White House lawns. The flock grew to 48 at its peak. The wool sheared from the sheep was sold at auction to raise money for the Red Cross.
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This photograph shows First Lady Grace Coolidge holding her pet raccoon, Rebecca. In addition to many dogs and cats, Rebecca was one of several non-traditional pets the Coolidges kept at the White House, including geese, donkeys, and a bobcat, though it is uncertain how long these rare animals stayed at the White House. Other more exotic animals were gifted to the Coolidges by foreign dignitaries such as lions, a wallaby, and a pygmy hippo.
Library of Congress