If you have been keeping a watchful eye on my social media accounts, you may be aware that a couple of weeks ago I visited the Natural History Museum at Tring. I have spent a lot of time at the Natural History Museum in London, but I have never been to the sister museum in Tring, despite the fact it is in the neighbouring county of Hertfordshire. Therefore, I realised that it was probably a good time to correct this and visit. Thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed and I am looking forward to my next visit. As a conservationist and researcher, visiting natural history museums offers both professional enrichment and personal inspiration. These institutions provide unparalleled access to historical specimens that help trace biodiversity changes over time, inform species identification, and offer insight into habitat shifts and extinction events. Beyond their scientific value, museums serve as a space to reconnect with the natural world, to see first-hand the complexity and beauty of life, and to reflect on what’s at stake in conservation efforts. They also offer a vital opportunity to engage with the public, translating research into stories and exhibits that can educate, inspire, and mobilise people to care for and protect the planet’s fragile ecosystems.

Before we take a detailed look at the museum, first is a history lesson. The museum was established by Lionel Walter Rothschild (1868–1937), a wealthy and eccentric member of the Rothschild banking family (in case that name sounds familiar). From an early age, Rothschild was obsessed with zoology. By the time he was a teenager, he had begun amassing what would become one of the largest private collections of animal specimens in the world. In 1892, he opened the museum on the grounds of the family estate in Tring Park to house his growing collection. It was initially known as the Zoological Museum of Tring. Walter Rothschild was not just a collector but also a respected naturalist. He funded expeditions across the globe, bringing back rare and exotic animals, and employed scientists to study, catalogue, and curate the material. His collection eventually included over two million specimens, including mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and even extinct species. In 1937, shortly after Rothschild’s death, the museum and its contents were gifted to the Natural History Museum in London. Since then, it has been operated as a branch of the Natural History Museum and continues to serve both the public and scientific communities.

One of the main reasons why I wanted to visit was due to a unbelievable event that occurred in 2009. Edwin Rist, a 20-year-old American flautist and avid fly-tier, committed a bizarre and high-profile heist at the museum. Rist broke into the museum at night and stole 299 rare bird specimens, including irreplaceable 19th-century tropical birds collected by Alfred Russel Wallace and others. Many of these birds (like quetzals, cotingas, and birds-of-paradise) had vibrant plumage prized by niche fly-fishing enthusiasts who recreate Victorian salmon flies. Rist’s motive was primarily financial: he intended to sell the feathers online to fund a new flute and support his fly-tying hobby. He was eventually caught after a fellow fly-tier became suspicious and tipped off authorities. In court, Rist pleaded guilty but avoided prison, citing Asperger’s syndrome as a mitigating factor. While some specimens were recovered, many had been dismantled or sold, representing a significant loss to science. The heist exposed vulnerabilities in museum security and raised ethical concerns about the black market for natural history artefacts. I had originally overlooked the news at the time but my interest in the heist was ignited by The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson. If you’d like to know more, then I suggest you give this extremely compelling book a read.

Gallery 1 at the museum offers an immersive introduction to the museum’s extensive zoological collections, focusing on birds, large carnivores, and primates. This gallery reflects Lionel Walter Rothschild’s passion for natural history and showcases specimens that highlight the diversity and complexity of these animal groups. The avian displays in Gallery 1 feature a wide array of bird species from around the world. Visitors can observe specimens ranging from common British birds to exotic and rare species. The collection includes birds with vibrant plumage and unique adaptations, providing insights into avian diversity and evolution. Notably, the museum’s bird collections are among the most comprehensive globally, representing 95% of bird species and encompassing over one million specimens, including skins, skeletons, and eggs. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why Rist targetted the museum back in 2009.

This gallery also presents an impressive array of large carnivorous mammals, illustrating their ecological roles and adaptations. Specimens include big cats like lions and tigers, as well as bears and other apex predators. These displays offer a comparative perspective on the physical characteristics and habitats of these sometimes formidable animals. The primate exhibits showcase a variety of species, from great apes to smaller monkeys, highlighting their anatomical features and behaviours. These specimens provide a window into primate diversity and their evolutionary significance, offering context for understanding human ancestry and biological traits. Gallery 1’s exhibits are arranged in traditional Victorian-style cases, maintaining the historical ambiance of the museum. This setting allows visitors to experience the collections as they were originally displayed, preserving the legacy of Rothschild’s dedication to natural history.

Gallery 2 at the Natural History Museum at Tring serves as the museum’s dedicated space for temporary exhibitions, offering visitors a dynamic and ever-changing experience. Unfortunately, during my visit there was not an exhibition currently taking place. Sounds like an excuse to go back another day! Unlike the permanent galleries, Gallery 2 hosts a rotating schedule of themed displays that delve into specific aspects of natural history, cultural intersections, and scientific discovery. Past exhibitions in this gallery have showcased a diverse array of topics. For instance, the Animal Mummies: What’s Inside exhibition provided an in-depth look at the ancient Egyptian practice of animal mummification. Visitors could examine a sealed 2,400-year-old wooden cat coffin, an unwrapped mummified crocodile containing stones in its abdomen, and a terracotta jar used to preserve a bird of prey, which intriguingly bore the handprint of its preserver. Modern technology, such as scans and X-rays, allowed museum scientists to study these specimens non-invasively, revealing untold stories of these revered creatures. Interactive elements enabled visitors to engage with the process, offering a hands-on understanding of the subject matter . Natural History Museum Another notable exhibition, British Dinosaurs: From Fossils to Feathers, aimed to illustrate the wild nature of prehistoric Britain. This family-friendly display featured fossil specimens and reconstructions, highlighting the evolution of dinosaurs and their connection to modern birds. I have certainly missed out!

Gallery 3 focusses on aquatic and invertebrate life, reflecting Lionel Walter Rothschild’s dedication to showcasing the diversity of the natural world. This gallery presents a rich array of specimens, from marine creatures to invertebrates, providing insights into various ecosystems and evolutionary adaptations. The gallery features a diverse collection of aquatic animals, which I feel has a somewhat loose interpretation due to the species present. Exhibits include sharks which are hanging from the ceiling, while underneath are specimens such as crocodiles and alligators. It is also here that you’ll find a number of large mammals including a Megatherium and Glyptodon which I can only think were slightly too large to be housed anywhere else. Gallery 3 is directly above Gallery 1, and so you occasionally catch a glimpse of the display cases below. Next come the diversity of fish species, highlighting the those species found in both freshwater and marine habitats.

Also in this gallery are the invertebrates, those animals without backbones.. While constituting the majority of animal life on the planet, they also constitute a significant portion of the gallery’s exhibits. There are marine invertebrates such as echinoderms, molluscs, coral, and crustaceans. Displays of crabs, lobsters, and shrimp demonstrate the diversity and ecological importance of these arthropods. Next comes the insects. A wide range of insect specimens, including beetles and butterflies, are presented, in Victorian-style cases which aren’t too overcrowded and are easy for everyone to understand. This whole gallery helped to offer insights into the biology and ecological significance of those species that are often ignored, or out of sight and out of mind.

A highlight of Gallery 3 is the display of dressed fleas, a unique form of Mexican folk art from around 1905. These tiny fleas were meticulously adorned in miniature clothing and posed in various scenes, reflecting both cultural practices and the intricate craftsmanship involved in their creation. Such exhibits provide a fascinating intersection of natural history and human culture. If you wish, you can even get a fridge magnet or a postcard of these from the gift shop!

Gallery 4 is dedicated to odd-toed ungulates, a group of hoofed mammals characterised by having an odd number of toes on each foot. This gallery showcases a diverse collection of species, including horses, zebras, tapirs, and rhinoceroses. A notable highlight of Gallery 4 is the display of the extinct quagga, a subspecies of the plains zebra that once inhabited South Africa. The quagga’s unique appearance (striped on the front half of its body and solid brown on the rear) makes it a subject of interest in studies of species extinction and conservation efforts. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any photos of this gallery as it was quite busy and had a museum staff member quizzing visitors on bird skulls. It was great to see this level of engagement with the public, providing them with an opportunity to explore the anatomical features, behaviours, adaptations of birds (even if it was in the odd-toed ungulates gallery).

Gallery 5 consists of a huge collection of large herbivorous and marine mammals, offering visitors a comprehensive look at these diverse and ecologically significant animals. This gallery features specimens such as bovids, hippopotamuses and pigs. You may be surprised to learn that natural history collections (like the one at Tring) have long exhibited a sex bias, particularly a tendency to favour male specimens over females. This bias stems from historical scientific practices, where males were often considered the more “typical” or “interesting” representatives of a species especially in birds and mammals. In these taxa, males often have more striking features like elaborate plumage, antlers, or a larger size. As a result, many museum collections are skewed, with significantly more male specimens. This imbalance can hinder modern research, especially studies on sexual dimorphism, reproduction, and behaviour, as it fails to adequately represent female variation and biology. Correcting this bias is now an important aim in developing more representative and scientifically useful natural history collections.

A notable highlight in Gallery 5 is the display of Lord Derby’s eland, also known as the giant eland. Named after Edward Smith Stanley, the 13th Earl of Derby, this species is renowned for its impressive size and agility, capable of leaping 1.5 metres into the air and reaching speeds over 43 mph 70 (km/h). One comment I would like to make is that the taxidermy in this gallery is a testament to the craftsmanship and scientific dedication of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Each specimen has been prepared with an attention to detail that brings the specimens to life. The taxidermy work not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also provides invaluable insights into the anatomy, behaviour, and ecology of these creatures, offering visitors a unique opportunity to study them up close. Sometimes (such as elsewhere in the museum), the taxidermy is less accurate due to the skin being stretched during preservation, or the mount being incorrect as the taxidermist had never seen the species in life. However, the enduring quality of these exhibits reflects the skill and craftsmanship of the taxidermist involved, and the museum’s commitment to preserving natural history for educational and scientific enrichment.

Marine mammals in museum collections, such as whales, dolphins, seals, and walruses, play a crucial role in advancing scientific understanding of marine biodiversity, evolution, and conservation. These specimens, often comprising skulls, skeletons, skins, and preserved organs, allow researchers to study anatomy, taxonomy, and ecological adaptations in species that are otherwise difficult to observe closely in the wild. Collections also preserve historical baselines, enabling comparisons over time to track changes in population structure, health, and morphology due to factors like climate change, pollution, and human activity. However, the sheer size of many marine mammals, especially cetaceans, has historically limited how and where they are collected and displayed, often resulting in fewer specimens compared to terrestrial animals. Despite these challenges, Tring houses a number of smaller species, allowing visitors to come face-to-face with these animals so that they are no longer out of sight and out of mind.

Gallery 6 is where I started to get excited as it houses the museum’s collection of reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals, showcasing the remarkable diversity and adaptations of these animal groups. The gallery features an extensive array of specimens, including various species of lizards, snakes, turtles, and amphibians, providing insights into their unique characteristics and ecological roles. Additionally, the gallery houses a collection of small mammals, such as bats and native British species, highlighting their behaviours and habitats. For some reason, facing the herpetofauna is a collection of domestic dog breeds. So if you’re into froggos or doggos, the same row is for you! The exhibits are thoughtfully arranged to facilitate comparative studies and foster a deeper understanding of these often-overlooked creatures. Low light levels are maintained in Gallery 6 to help preserve the specimens, ensuring their longevity for future educational and research purposes. As this post is now the length of a Dickens novel, I will come back to the amphibians and reptiles another day (sorry to disappoint!).

Pangolins, often cited as the world’s most trafficked mammals, face a critical threat from illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss. These shy, nocturnal animals are hunted extensively for their keratin-rich scales, used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and for their meat, considered a delicacy in some cultures. Despite international protections under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), illegal trafficking continues at alarming rates, driven by high demand across parts of Asia and Africa. All eight species of pangolin are now listed as threatened, with some critically endangered. Their elusive nature and declining numbers make studying and protecting them especially challenging. Conservation efforts focus on strengthening enforcement, reducing demand, and supporting local communities to shift away from poaching. Saving pangolins is not only about preserving a unique evolutionary lineage, but also about disrupting a broader illegal trade network that threatens biodiversity worldwide. Therefore, it was rewarding to see some of these somewhat unheard of mammals in Gallery 6, raising awareness of their plight.

Walter Rothschild conducted pioneering research on cassowaries, flightless birds native to New Guinea and northern Australia, which greatly enhanced scientific understanding of their diversity and classification. Fascinated by their striking appearance and elusive behaviour, Rothschild amassed the largest collection of cassowary specimens in the world at the time, many of which were obtained through his network of collectors and expeditions. In 1900, he published a comprehensive monograph titled ‘A Monograph of the Genus Casuarius‘, detailing the taxonomy, morphology, and geographical distribution of cassowaries. His work distinguished multiple species and subspecies based on plumage colour, casque shape, and other physical traits. These contributions laid the foundation for later ornithological studies. Rothschild’s meticulous documentation reflected not only his scientific rigor but also his broader goal of cataloguing the world’s biodiversity, particularly among exotic and under-studied animals. The images below are of cassowaries on display in Gallery 6. These murder chickens are extremely impressive and I had no idea the colours were so vibrant until seeing these specimens.

While the museum does have a Victorian feel to it in places, you can see where they have tried to modernise certain areas to help improve the visitor experience. In general, interactive displays and activities in museums play a crucial role in enhancing learning and fostering a personal connection between visitors and conservation efforts. Unlike passive viewing, interactive elements (such as touchscreens, tactile specimens, augmented reality, and hands-on exhibits) actively engage multiple senses, helping visitors absorb complex scientific information more effectively and remember it for longer. The Natural History Museum at Tring employs a few of these tactics, and some of them can be seen photographed below. These experiences can bring abstract concepts like biodiversity loss or climate change to life by demonstrating real-world impacts and solutions in a relatable way. For younger audiences especially, interactive features make museums more accessible and exciting, sparking curiosity and early environmental awareness at a time when fewer and fewer children are playing outside. Moreover, when visitors are invited to participate they’re more likely to feel a sense of stewardship and responsibility toward protecting the natural world. In this way, interactivity doesn’t just inform, it helps to inspire action, making it an essential tool for museums in promoting long-term conservation awareness. Therefore, it was great to see the museum moving further and further towards this extremely valuable tool.

The Victorian display case above wasn’t the only example of interactive displays within the museum. The Rothschild Room offers an intimate glimpse into the life and legacy of Lionel Walter Rothschild, 2nd Baron Rothschild, whose passion for zoology led to the creation of one of the world’s most extensive private natural history collections (one that you can visit like I did!). This dedicated gallery space showcases key stories and specimens from Rothschild’s life, including mounted examples of some of his favourite birds and a life-size replica of his giant tortoise, reflecting his fascination with exotic animals. Visitors can explore interactive elements such as maps detailing the daring explorations of Rothschild’s specimen collectors and digital photo albums featuring Rothschild, his family, and his menagerie of live animals. While you’re there, try to find all of the miniature giant tortoises hidden throughout the room, you may spot a couple of them in my photos.

The room also highlights Rothschild’s contributions to ornithology and his efforts in bird conservation, including displays on species like Fischer’s turaco, for which conservation programs continue today. The Rothschild Room not only celebrates the scientific achievements of its namesake but also serves as an educational space that brings to life the history of natural history collecting. Through its exhibits, the room illustrates how Rothschild’s foresight and generosity preserved an astonishing collection for the nation, allowing future generations to study and appreciate the diversity of the animal kingdom.

To finish, you’re probably wondering what my favourite specimen was. It probably isn’t one that you would have immediately guessed, in fact the specimen at Tring was only a model. The species in question if the great auk (Pinguinus impennis). The extinction of this species stands as a stark and sobering example of how human exploitation decimate a species without even being conscious of the consequences. Once widespread across the North Atlantic, from Canada to Northern Europe, the great auk was a flightless seabird resembling a modern-day penguin (it is because of them that penguins have their name), known for its striking black and white plumage and upright posture. Its inability to fly made it especially vulnerable to hunters who prized its meat, eggs, and feathers (particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries) when demand skyrocketed. As populations dwindled, collectors and museums sought specimens for preservation, ironically hastening its demise. The last confirmed great auks were killed in Iceland in 1844, 15 years before Darwin published On The Origin of Species. Personally, the species serves as a poignant symbol in conservation discussions, a reminder of the permanent consequences of overexploitation and the importance of protecting vulnerable wildlife before it is too late.

After my visit, I wish I’d visited the Natural History Museum at Tring a lot sooner. I have visited the sister museum in London hundreds of times, so I have got some catching up to do! The Tring museum offers a rare and enriching experience that blends history, science, and wonder in a uniquely personal setting. Its beautifully curated galleries invite visitors of all ages to explore the natural world up close, while interactive exhibits and historical context deepen understanding of both wildlife and the legacy of scientific collecting. Whether you’re a curious child, a dedicated naturalist, or simply seeking inspiration, Tring provides an accessible, engaging, and unforgettable journey into nature’s diversity. Visiting the museum not only supports ongoing conservation and education but also helps keep the legacy of natural history alive for future generations (make sure you visit the gift shop). If you want to visit the museum, you can do so virtually via Google Street View – allowing you to visit the exhibitions mentioned above plus lots that I missed! When you do make it in person, please leave a comment about your favourite moment, species or exhibit. Finally, keep an eye out for that upcoming blog on the amphibians and reptiles of Tring!

If you liked this post and enjoy reading this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon where you will also gain access to exclusive content. If you enjoy reading my blog, why not subscribe using the form below?