Bombing of the Blijdorp Zoo

During World War II, Blijdorp Zoo was in the middle of relocating. Between 1939 and 1941, construction began at a new site in Rotterdam, unaware of the war’s coming impact. On May 12, 1940, the old zoo was bombed—just two days before the devastating bombing of Rotterdam. Strangely, the zoo itself was spared in that main attack. However, the damage was significant. Some animals escaped: a zebra wandered through shopping streets, and sea lions swam in city canals. Staff scrambled to find shelter, with monkeys ending up in beer cellars. Amid the chaos, the northern part of the new zoo opened on July 7, 1940. It was a symbol of resilience and renewal amid destruction.