Rotherham’s Famous Feline Celebrates Milestone

A Rotherham icon, long rumoured to be the inspiration for the statues at the base of Nelson's Column, is set to celebrate a historic milestone.

The much loved Nelson the Lion, who resides in Rotherham's Clifton Park Museum, is set to celebrate his 65th anniversary at the twice-nominated "Museum of the Year" next week.

Museum staff are inviting Nelson's fans, both young and old, to join them in wishing the famous feline a very happy birthday at the museum with a special party on Wednesday June 1 between 11am and 3.30pm.

Nelson's journey to become Clifton Park Museum's icon has been a long and fascinating one.

Nelson, a South African Cape lion, a species which is now extinct, is believed to be the lion that was used by artist Edward Landseer as the model for the bronze statues of lions that sit at the foot of Nelsons' Column in Trafalgar Square, hence his name!

His origins are shrouded in mystery. However, it is known that after he toured Europe in a travelling menagerie of animals he settled down in Regents Park Zoo, where he died in 1872 at the grand old age of 25.

He was loaned to the Museum in 1947, 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 1947 Nelson has been living in various parts of the museum, eventually finding a permanent home in his den. 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 3.30 pm 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 story-telling and a Nelson Museum trail to have a go at throughout the day.

Senior Officer at the 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."

For more information, please contact the museum on 01709 336633.