The careless lion and the resourceful naturalist—A possible incident of the African hunt
Subject(s): Africa, Lion, Lions, Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919, Secret service
Click on image to zoom in
In the first cartoon, a lion runs toward President Roosevelt writing on a notepad labeled “The African Chickadee ($3.00).” In the second cartoon, the lion gets close to pouncing on Roosevelt who holds a paper. In the third cartoon, Roosevelt opens the paper and shows the lion what it says: “Secret Service Report on Lions (To be given to the press in case I am attacked) (Copy).” In the fourth cartoon, Roosevelt runs toward the lion.
Comments and Context
Chicago cartoonist Ralph Wilder, the stylistic disciple of John T. McCutcheon, combined two thematic preoccupations of the day’s news, attempting a new treatment of both. The imbroglio between the White House and Capitol Hill over the president’s request to expand the role of the Secret Service was already months old when this cartoon was drawn.
President Roosevelt had only recently released the details of his forthcoming African safari, although precious few details as he wanted to hunt and explore for the better part of a year, risking molestation by lions but firmly insulating himself from being molested by prying reporters. His announced intention helped to fuel speculation about the trip.
Most of the cartoons at this time, therefore, dealt in comic speculation, usually involving wild animals being chased by Roosevelt, rather than the usual confrontation. And when the threat of a Secret Service investigation could be added to the mix, cartoonists had an easy day of it.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1909-01-18
Creator(s)
Language
English
Period
U.S. President – 2nd Term (March 1905-February 1909)
Page Count
1
Production Method
Record Type
Image
Resource Type
Rights
These images are presented through a cooperative effort between the Library of Congress and Dickinson State University. No known restrictions on publication.
Citation
Cite this Record
Chicago:
The careless lion and the resourceful naturalist—A possible incident of the African hunt. [January 18, 1909]. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o302051. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Wilder, Ralph, 1875-1924. The careless lion and the resourceful naturalist—A possible incident of the African hunt. [18 Jan. 1909]. Image.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. April 2, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o302051.
APA:
Wilder, Ralph, 1875-1924., [1909, January 18]. The careless lion and the resourceful naturalist—A possible incident of the African hunt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o302051.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. April 2, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
APA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
