The Incredible Story of Animals at Celtic Park including one or two Donkeys

On Wednesday night we saw some unusual guests on the Celtic Park pitch. As part of a fundraising scheme, two guide dogs were on the park as Celtic and Dundee lined up before kick-off…

What other animals have there been at Celtic Park?

This poses an interesting question: what other animals have there been at Celtic Park?

The Dundee game wasn’t the first time there’s been dogs on the Celtic Park pitch. At the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the opening ceremony took place at Parkhead. Each team was led out by a Scottish terrier, wearing a jacket with the country’s name on it.

A fox in the box 

Older fans will surely recall a 1990s visitor during the club’s takeover battle. As Celtic played Kilmarnock in March 1994 – despite winning 1-0, this was the match which helped bring down the old Board – a fox ran onto the park. This has actually happened more than once, including against Rangers.

Horses are obviously a regular sight at Celtic Park as police animals. However, there’s also been horses on the pitch. In the past, comic events involving clowns and similar were held at football grounds as a means of raising funds, especially for charity. In 1910, this led to a joke horse race taking place at Celtic Park.

Donkeys have been seen at Celtic Park 

Donkeys have also been seen at Celtic Park. This includes donkeys racing against horses in the 1910 comic event mentioned above. And, without naming names, it’s fair to say there’s been a few playing donkeys at Parkhead over the years too…

Another animal goes back right to the club’s early days. When the new Celtic Park first opened in 1892, there was a pony at the ground; it was bought to help transport goods and also eat grass to keep it short. There was even a suggestion about entering it at the Hamilton races!

In this same season, (1892-93, also the Bhoys’ first title-winning year), Celtic were connected to the circus, with animals such as horses, mules and donkeys. Ginnett’s Circus toured Scotland and one attraction featured a team called ‘Celtic’ who played 6-a-side games versus local sides across Scotland.

One official Celtic event involved monkeys

It was however a stretch to describe this as a Celtic side. It did feature many players that had played for some big teams, and also Jimmy McLaren, a very prominent Celt at the time, especially for famous for scoring a winning goal for Scotland versus England. However it was certainly not a Celtic side officially endorsed by the club.

One official Celtic event involved monkeys, although it didn’t happen at Celtic Park. In 1895, the Bhoys organised a fundraising event at the Old Barracks Carnival, just off the Gallowgate. One of the many attractions which aimed to attract a big audience was a monkey house.

Celtic have their own animal mascots, Hoopy and Hailey

There’s also been numerous fake animals at Celtic Park over the years. The Commonwealth Games opening ceremony mentioned earlier also featured animals like Highland Cows and sheep, as well as a giant Nessie. And of course, Celtic have their own animal mascots, Hoopy and Hailey.

In the old Celtic Park, the most famous part of the ground was of course the Jungle. There was one set of animals to be found in there for the 1993 Scottish Cup Final, but Celtic did ensure that Bhoys’ fans were still the last to stand on the old terracing before it was bulldozed.

Can you think of any other animal links with Celtic? If so, let us know in the comments below.

Matthew Marr

Follow Matthew on Twitter @hailhailhistory

Matthew’s debut Celtic book titled ‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ was published by Celtic Star Books last year and is available to order HERE. This brilliant book is also available on Amazon Kindle for just £3.49 and includes all photo sections that appear in the hardback edition.