Morocco Made a Gift of Lions to the United States in the 1830s… Twice

The treaty of amity between Morocco and the United States is the oldest American treaty still in force and the first country to recognize the independence of the United States. Two different Sultans gave lions to the United States in the 1830s, and in both cases, they were sent to the American embassy in Tangier. The American Consulate in Tangier requested instructions from Washington in both instances. In the first instance, two Arabian horses and a lion were gifts for President Andrew Jackson.

While Congress deliberated, the animals remained at the legation at Consul James Leib's expense. It was impossible to deliver the animals back to the Sultan. Finally, Congress approved a resolution ordering the sale of the animals, with the net revenues going to orphanages in Washington. Thomas Carr, Leib's replacement for the position, was informed of the gift of two matched lions and additional horses when he presented his credentials to the Sultan. Once more, the consul awaited instructions from Congress while informing them in writing of the excessive costs he incurred to feed the lions during this time.

Carr informed the Sultan that neither the President nor Congress could receive presents while he awaited the arrival of Congress. The Sultan's response—which Carr reported to Washington—was that the lions were gifts from the American people, and they must be accepted. The President is required by law to store gifts from foreign dignitaries and rulers at the Department of State or "dispose in such time and way as he shall see fit" of gifts that cannot be accommodated, according to a law that congress finally passed. As required by Congress, the lions were quietly sold when they arrived in America, and the proceeds were deposited in the Treasury.