Some people like rabbits, others like lizards/anole’s. 
Sharp eye! I was there, and took the photo, and I didn’t notice it!
That’s Steve, the revered, 43rd generation descendant of Edison’s pet gecko, Natalie.
I never realized until just now that Edison kept so many animals as pets and even some as lab animals. This is what I found online just now (I’m always learnin’ stuff from this site):
Thomas Edison and his second wife, Mina, kept a wide variety of animals at their estate in Fort Myers, Florida. While he is often associated with animals through the lens of his scientific experiments, he also kept many as domestic companions and attractions for his estate. [1, 2]
Notable Pets and Animals
- Cocker Spaniels : The Edisons owned a series of Cocker Spaniels over many years.
- Exotic Animals: In 1908, Edison ordered two monkeys for his Fort Myers estate, which his wife described as a great source of amusement for him.
- Other Animals: His property also housed a diverse collection including:
- 2 cats
- 2 raccoons (“coons”)
- 1 pelican
- 2 alligators
- 1 gopher and and 1 quail
- Livestock such as chickens, a calf, and a cow
Historical Context & Misconceptions
- Lab Mascots: A dog named “Bum” was the beloved mascot of the Edison lab in 1912.
- The Topsy Myth: One of the most famous animal stories linked to Edison is the electrocution of Topsy the elephant in 1903. While Edison’s film company recorded the event, historians note that Edison was likely not personally involved in the execution, as it occurred years after the “War of the Currents” had ended.
- Controversial Experiments : During the 1880s, Edison and his associates did use stray dogs and cats for experiments to demonstrate the perceived dangers of alternating current (AC).
Smells like team spirit… 
