Walter Rothschild Zoological Museum Collection

Rozsika Rothschild (1870-1940)
Hungarian baroness, champion tennis player and wife of Charles Rothschild, she resided in Tring Park where the Walter Rothschild Zoological Museum was founded

Nathan Natty, 1st Baron Rothschild
Liberal politician, banker, philanthropist and father of Walter Rothschild, he built what became the Walter Rothschild Zoological Museum

Dr Karl Jordan (1875-1972)
Curator of entomology at Walter Rothschilds Zoological Museum at Tring from 1893, beyond Rothschilds death and up to the transition to the Natural History Museum at Tring in 1938

Emma Rothschild (1844-1935)
Mother of Tring Museum founder Walter Rothschild

Southern cassowary by JG Keulemans
Hand-coloured lithograph of cassowary head by JG Keulemans (c. 1898), based on the live animals at Walter Rothschilds Museum at Tring

Alfred Minall, taxidermist
Alfred Minall working on specimens in the shed housing the beginnings of Walter Rothschilds Museum collection, 1890 Date: 1890

Entomology, W. Rothschild Zoological Museum
The Museum was bequeathed to the Natural History Museum following Rothschilds death in 1937, along with its unique collections of preserved animals

Visit of 1930 Ornithological Congress to Tring
Within the Walter Rothschild Zoological Museum at Tring, bequeathed to the Natural History Museum after his death in 1937

Ernst Hartert (1859-1933)
Curator of ornithology at Walter Rothschilds Zoological Museum at Tring from 1892 to 1930, during which time he also served as Museum Director

Caretaker Fred Young
Fred Young was a caretaker and taxidermist at Walter Rothschilds Zoological Museum at Tring in the early 19th Century, succeeding the original caretaker Alfred Minall

Emu and rheas at Tring Park
Rheas from South America and Emus from Australia are examples of the flightless ratite birds kept by Walter Rothschild at Tring Park

Northern cassowary by JG Keulemans
Hand-coloured lithograph of cassowary head by JG Keulemans (c. 1898), based on the live animals at Walter Rothschilds Museum at Tring

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The Walter Rothschild Zoological Museum, named after its founder Walter Rothschild, is a treasure trove of natural history located in Tring, Hertfordshire. Born into the prominent Rothschild family, Walter was an avid collector and zoologist who dedicated his life to the study and preservation of wildlife. Walter's passion for nature was inherited from his mother Emma Rothschild, who instilled in him a deep appreciation for the natural world. Inspired by her love for animals, he embarked on numerous expeditions around the globe to gather specimens that would later form the foundation of this remarkable museum. Assisting Walter in his endeavors was Dr Karl Jordan, a renowned entomologist whose expertise greatly contributed to expanding the museum's insect collection. Together with other notable figures like Ernst Hartert and Alfred Minall - a talented taxidermist - they transformed this institution into one of Europe's most comprehensive collections of animal specimens. The museum boasts an impressive array of exhibits showcasing various species from all corners of the Earth. Among them are magnificent birds such as Southern cassowaries and Northern cassowaries meticulously illustrated by JG Keulemans. These stunning displays capture both their beauty and unique characteristics. In 1930, Tring had the honor of hosting the Ornithological Congress where distinguished ornithologists from across the globe gathered to exchange knowledge and marvel at this extraordinary collection. The event marked a significant milestone in advancing avian research worldwide. Throughout its rich history, caretaker Fred Young played an integral role in maintaining this vast assortment of creatures. His dedication ensured that each specimen remained preserved for future generations to appreciate and learn from. Tring Park surrounding the museum also became home to emus and rheas under Walter's care. These majestic flightless birds added another dimension to visitors' experience as they roamed freely within their designated habitats.