Abstract
According to Cortez, there was a Royal
Menagerie in the time of Montezuma. The
menagerie was divided into two sections.
One section was for birds of prey, reptiles,
and quadrupeds. The other section was
reserved for all birds that did not live by
prey. Cortez reported that there were
three hundred men employed in taking
care of the birds - not counting the skillful
persons whom today would be called
veterinarians. Of the three hundred attendants,
some procured the food; some fed
the birds; some watched after nesting and
incubation; and finally, some were charged
with saving the finest feathers to be
used as royal ornaments.