Walter Rothschild was the second Baron Rothschild. He was a bank and a politician. He also was a zoologist. In his childhood, he loved animals and started his own little zoo. He collected bugs and butterflies and even had a pet kangaroo.
He worked in the family bank for about twenty years and finally was able to quit. He opened a zoological museum while still with the back. Once he left the bank, he traveled the world to seek out animals.
He had some zebras he trained to pull his carriage and he would ride down the mall in London with the zebras pulling him along. I think that is absolutely awesome. I’m a big fan of zebras and I know, based on this man’s love of animals, that he didn’t mistreat them in teaching them to do this. They are after all, part of the equus family of which horses are a part as well.
Baron Rothschild was also the first Jewish member of the peerage who didn’t convert to Christianity.
Jillian Chantal 
LOVE the zebra-pulled carriage. That’s a hoot. This guy didn’t care much about conforming, did he.
By: Laurie Ryan on May 18, 2012
at 11:09 am
No, he didn’t conform. Mayhaps that’s why I like him so much.
By: Jillian Chantal on May 18, 2012
at 1:09 pm
Great info and pic. Rita
By: Rita Bay on May 18, 2012
at 11:27 am
Thanks Rita.
By: Jillian Chantal on May 18, 2012
at 1:12 pm
Interesting man. I enjoy your Friday facts Jillian.
By: Lavada Dee on May 18, 2012
at 11:32 am
Thanks, Lavada. They are fun to Share.
By: Jillian Chantal on May 18, 2012
at 1:11 pm
Zebras are pretty awesome.
By: Darlene on May 18, 2012
at 4:49 pm
Okay, I’m late, but the zebras were awesome. I would have totally done that.
By: danicaavet on May 22, 2012
at 11:03 am
I would have totally been in that carriage with you!
By: Jillian Chantal on May 22, 2012
at 11:11 am