21. Empress Josephine’s favorite companion was an orangutan.
Napoleon’s first wife, Josephine was known for her exotic pets. Kangaroos, emus and black swans are all featured in the Empress’s exotic menagerie. However, her favorite was a young female orangutan named Rose. Rose was the first of her species to reach France and was presented to the Empress by general Charles Decaen, the governor of Pondicherry. Rose behaved so well that she often dined with Josephine, eating her favorite turnips impeccably with a knife and fork while wearing in a white cotton chemise. Josephine so loved Rose, that orangutan often slept with her and Napoleon. However, despite this cossetting, Rose did not survive well in captivity and passed away after just five months.
