Entertainment Swindon

Longleat has been at the forefront of wild animal experiences for centuries, as a new exhibition reveals.

The Wiltshire estate, which this year is celebrating opening the first Drive-Through Safari Park outside of Africa in 1966, is showcasing unique historic documents and images telling the little-known story of Longleat’s 18th-century menageries.

Among the items on display are newly discovered records including bills for ‘looking after the wild beasts’ in the 1730s and for ‘building a new house for the kangaroos’ in 1796. A highlight of the exhibition is a beautiful watercolour on loan from a private collection.

Dr James Ford, Longleat’s curator, said: “Longleat’s first menagerie was created on the site of the current Wolf Wood in the 1730s by the 2nd Viscount Weymouth. This was succeeded in the late 1750s when his son, who later became the 1st Marquess of Bath, established a menagerie near what’s now the entrance to the Safari Park.

“The exhibition includes documents demonstrating the presence of a variety of animals in these menageries – from wolves and bears to mandrills (then known as ‘man-tigers’) and kangaroos. There were also exchanges with the royal menagerie at Kew, and even a visit from King George III and Queen Charlotte in 1789.

“The Queen praised Longleat’s menagerie as ‘prettily laid out’”, said James.

Today the estate has 120 species across three safaris – by car, boat and on foot – as well as a host of other attractions.

The exhibition – Man-tigers and kangaroos: The Longleat menageries –  forms part of series of events this year marking the 60th anniversary of the Safari Park and can be seen when visiting Longleat House from 21 March to 5 July.

• Book in advance from £39.95 – longleat.co.uk