Wolfdogs were popular exhibits in British menageries and zoos. In 1893 a chimpanzee was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in London. During this time, professional collectors gathered specimens for museums, menageries, and cabinets. The Indian aristocracy who maintained their own menageries became contributors to such collections. There are also a number of both public and private menageries. Some fanciers keep hobby farms, or menageries (private zoos). Lions, giraffes, tigers, zebras and elephants generated huge excitement, popularised by travelling menageries. Over the years, Wombwell expanded three menageries that traveled around the country. In England travelling menageries had first appeared at around 1700. Also in North America travelling menageries became even more popular during that time. In England travelling menageries had first appeared at the turn of the eighteenth century. These birds were often kept in menageries and as ornaments in large gardens and estates. He maintained extensive menageries on his country properties, first at Bellport, and later at Mendham. After that, menageries began using equestrian and clown performances in circus rings. During the Middle Ages, several sovereigns across Europe maintained menageries at their royal courts.