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In 1967, shortly after Elvis Presley married Priscilla Presley, he bought the Circle G Ranch which he also filled with livestock. To commemorate the event Elvis gifted horses to his entire entourage - The Memphis Mafia - and Priscilla. He also bought himself a horse, which he named Rising Sun. The star named Priscilla’s horse Domino. The couple frequently went on romantic horseback riding dates across his ranch after they got the steeds, but disaster struck during one adventure.
Elvis Presley: Animals were a big part of the King s life (Image: GETTY)
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Elvis then decided he wanted some geese for his land, so the star jumped in his Cadillac and drove out to the country.
The King filled his back seats with geese and drove back to Graceland to expand his farmyard animal collection where they could “keep the lawn trim”.
The geese were in good company after later being joined by a trip of goats and a flock of turkeys - one of which was named Bow Tie.
These barnyard animals were later joined by a family of donkeys who were kept in the drained Graceland swimming pool until work was finished on the lot.
Graceland s Living Room has Peacock stained glass panels going into the Music Room (Image: EXPRESS)
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According to the official Graceland website: “The stained-glass peacock panels between the Living Room and Music Room, as well as the stained glass around the front door and the stained-glass fixtures over the pool table in the basement were added to Graceland in October 1974.
“The work was done for Elvis by Laukhuff Stained Glass Company of Memphis for the cost of $9,345.”
But during a virtual live tour of Graceland last month, Elvis expert and archivist Angie Marchese shared: “There were actually some pet peacocks that ran around the property here at Graceland at one point.
It’s the case throughout the mansion that whatever Elvis and his family members left in the drawers at Graceland are largely preserved and kept where they were found in 1982. And, of course, there are always stories behind such items.
One fascinating example is the “secret drawer” located in the corridor next to the kitchen on the way to the Jungle Room from the front door.
In fact, it’s right by where fans walk during the regular in-person tour of Graceland.
On our tour, Angie opened the drawer and written inside you can see Lisa Marie’s graffiti which reads, “Lisa’s home Graceland” with a smiley face.