Lions Roamed Europe in Medieval Times

Two lion skulls were dug up at the Tower of London, revealing what may have been two cats from King John's "Royal Menagerie." The menagerie was a tourist attraction said to be started by King John somewhere between 1199-1216. It was an attraction that hosted exotic animals including bears and lions. The skulls themselves were found in the tower's moat. Scientists have also dated the skulls of dogs and one of a leopard. The results show that the Tower of London was, indeed, the location of the "Royal Menagerie," and the reminants of these animals suggest that the king held an impressive collection of exotic animals for that day and age.