Species?
The exact species of Jacco is uncertain. Jacco’s surname, Maccaco, is misleading, as it may suggest him to have been some sort of macaque. The term ‘macaque’ was actually used colloquially at the time to refer to any sort of monkey. Lennox ascribed his origins to Africa, describing him to be ‘of a cinerous or ashy colour, with black fingers and muzzle’, and believed him to be a member of the gibbon family. Neither gibbons nor macaques are particularly renowned for their aggression, however, and it’s unlikely that either would have the strength to kill a larger, trained fighting dog.
Umberto Cuomo has suggested that Jacco may have been a Mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx), the largest monkey in the world, which seems to be more plausible. Mandrill fur is the same ashen colour Lennox ascribes to Jacco, and the size and aggression of the species is also a good fit. Mandrills, however, are known for their colorful faces and backsides, which parts on Jacco occasion no comment from Lennox. Mandrills, though, are sexually dimorphous in this respect, and only males exhibit these colorful features, which makes it likely that if Jacco was indeed a mandrill, ‘he’ was, in fact, a female.
Yet the creature depicted in the first-hand illustrations we have discussed – excluding Sutherland’s human-faced chimera – most resembles the smaller baboon, specifically the Olive Baboon (Papio anubis), which matches Lennox’s description and whose pugnacious behavior also recalls the character of Jacco. Jacco’s method of rolling on his back to access the throat also fits these monkeys’ considerable intelligence. Both the mandrill and baboon would also support Aistrop’s story about the pet that became unruly, as an inexperienced naturalist could easily be duped into assuming that their endearing young would stay at a manageable size. Ultimately, Jacco’s species will remain a mystery.
A Story not to be Forgotten
Having reviewed this awful episode in the history of Victorian London, then, what can we deduce? Given the role of Jacco’s exploits in the ultimately-successful animal rights campaigns of Richard ‘Humanity Dick’ Martin, perhaps the suffering of the poor animal was not in vain. Let’s finish, however, by drawing a comparison between the society which subjected this unfortunate animal to such violence and our own. Doubtless, you have shuddered at the thought of dogs fighting one another, and even apes, for human entertainment, and reflected how fortunate you are to live in a more civilized time. Think again.
Dog-fighting is still, lamentably, a pastime in some communities around the world to this day, including the West, where specially-trained animals are smuggled across borders to fight one another for entertainment. Though far less mainstream, and now a criminal offense, it still goes on, as does badger-baiting and illegal hunting with dogs, to say nothing of less-specialized forms of cruelty to beasts and birds. It is truly a stain on civilization that there are still some today who have not shorn themselves of the cruel instincts that led to the widespread enjoyment of bloodsports in the Victorian period.
Where did we find this stuff? Here are our sources:
Egan, Pierce. Life in London: or, The day and night scenes of Jerry Hawthorn, esq., and his elegant friend Corinthian Tom. London: Sherwood, Neely & Jones, 1821.
Phillips, Peter. Humanity Dick: The Eccentric Member for Galway. Tunbridge Wells: Parapress, 2003.
