Milestone for lion who is king of museum

But this week Nelson the Lion, one of the most popular attractions at Rotherham’s Clifton Park Museum, is in the spotlight for a different reason as the stuffed animal marks his 65th anniversary.

To celebrate the occasion, members of the public are invited to wish the famous feline a happy birthday at the museum with a party on Wednesday, due to take place between 11am and 3.30pm.

Senior officer at Clifton Park Museum Rachel Reynolds said: “Everybody loves Nelson, and whenever people visit the museum, the first thing they usually do is visit the Lion’s Den.

“Over the decades Nelson has delighted thousands of people, many of whom have now grown up and brought their children and even grandchildren to see him.

“He’s still looking good for his age and it wouldn’t be the same without him.

“I hope everyone comes along and helps to celebrate this fantastic anniversary with us.”

Nelson, a South African Cape lion – a species which is now extinct – is believed to be the lion that was used by artist Edwin Landseer as the model for the bronze statues of lions that sit at the foot of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square.

Although the creature’s origins are somewhat mysterious, it is known that after Nelson toured Europe in a travelling menagerie of animals, he settled down in Regents Park Zoo, where he died in 1872 at the age of 25.

He was loaned to Clifton Park Museum shortly after the war and finally donated in 1970 by Joseph Whitacker, the owner of Blythe Hall and a significant collector of natural history material from all over the world.

Since joining Clifton Park Nelson has lived in various parts of the museum, eventually finding a permanent home in the Lion’s Den.

A spokesman for Rotherham Council said: “The den allows children to learn all about Nelson as they explore aspects of South African natural history and features an interactive Strangler Fig tree.

“The results of the recent Nelson drawing and writing competition are currently displayed at Clifton Park Museum.

“The new mayor will award the prizes to the winners at 3.30pm on June 1, before cutting the birthday cake for all to share.

“On the day itself families can have a go at making Nelson birthday cards, party hats and badges and can decorate a lion biscuit fresh off the Victorian range.

“There will be storytelling and a Nelson museum trail to have a go at throughout the day.”

For more information on the party, contact Clifton Park Museum on 01709 336633.