* I'm still adventuring, but I have some vintage zoo photos to share! This post is a little bit image-heavy, but they're pretty! *

On Easter weekend we went to the Frankfurt Zoo! I was a little bit more excited than any adult should be about going to the zoo, but I looooove them, especially old ones. I love vintage zoo ephemera and photos and the Frankfurt Zoo is Germany's second oldest, first opening in 1859. Actually, I think it's more of a fascination than a love, or a love/hate relationship, because it always makes me sad when I see the animals in cages or enclosures, especially if they don't have enough room. I hate to see them in cages, but I love going to zoos and the history behind zoos... so it's kinda strange I guess...
I wanted to share some really amazing old photos of Frankfurt Zoo off their website, which I geeked out about and looked at ALL the pictures and read all the history- I find it SO fascinating! The photos show the zoo from its early days in 1859 through to when all of Frankfurt (including the zoo) was flattened in the war, and then the rebuilding of it. Then a peek at our visit yesterday :)
I would *die* to get copies of these posters or an old program.... if anyone finds vintage zoo stuff for me I'll love you forever!! :) 

::: 19th Century Zoo Posters :::

Announcement of a Sinhalese-Show of 1884Advertising poster for a balloon ascent from 1894Cover of the first guidebook of 1860

::: The Zoo in Pictures 1859-1909 :::

The zoological garden in 1859

Betsy the Elephant in 1872Overlooking the pond, 1876Overlooking the lake, photo from 1878

Great Hall in the Cultural House, 1885Monkey house, 1926Keeper with tame Monitor Lizard, 1929Bear Castle, Polar Bear in 1935Zoo-keeper with the Tiger, 1937Feeding the Seals, 1939Flamingoes and Bear pit, 1929

::: The War Damage :::

View of the Mountain Sheep area in wartime 1945

Bomb in the fence of the outdoor enclosure for Giraffe and Antelope, 1945::: The Rescue :::

Children's Zoo in 1952 Billboards with latest news from the zoo, 1946Rebuilt Zebra House, 19531980

::: Our Zoo Visit! ::: 

A Baby One!Timon saying "Do Not Go On The Grass" I think?...It's long nose kiiiinda freaks me out a bit!Awesome rotating globeJust being casual and easygoing in the jungle.

I LOVE the photo of the zoo-keeper just casually holding a monitor lizard!

Zoe xo