From Baby Bears to Crocodiles... The Most Unusual First Pets in White House History

Screenshot of President Biden's Twitter

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] With Joe Biden's inauguration as U.S. President, a 'First Pet' will appear at the White House for the first time in four years.

According to CNN on the 22nd (local time), President Biden's pet dogs, 'Major' and 'Champ,' will soon move into the White House.

Both Major and Champ are German Shepherds. Major was adopted by the Biden couple in 2018 from an animal shelter in Wilmington, Delaware, and Champ has been their pet dog since 2008 during the Obama administration when Biden was Vice President.

During former President Donald Trump's term, the position of First Pet was vacant, but it appears that in addition to the two Shepherds, a cat whose breed and name have not yet been disclosed will also occupy the role. It will be the first time since former President George W. Bush that a U.S. President keeps a cat in the White House.

Past U.S. Presidents have kept various types of pets besides dogs and cats.

Former President Thomas Jefferson kept a parrot and two baby bears. Animal enthusiast former President Theodore Roosevelt raised horses and roosters, as well as kangaroo rats, guinea pigs, and even snakes.

Former President John Quincy Adams kept an alligator gifted to him in the White House bathroom for two months. Former President Martin Van Buren raised two tiger cubs, and former President James Buchanan kept an eagle.

Former President Calvin Coolidge kept a raccoon named 'Rebecca.' Rebecca was originally sent to the White House for Thanksgiving dinner but was reportedly kept as a pet by President Coolidge.