Hippos Being Moved at Artis Zoo

Hippos Being Moved at Artis Zoo

This photograph shows the relocation of hippopotamuses at the zoo of Artis Zoo in Amsterdam. The animals were being transferred to the elephant enclosure on 9 October 1963.

The image captures a hippopotamus cautiously approaching the edge of a pool inside the zoo’s facilities during the move. Such transfers were complex operations requiring careful handling due to the animals’ size and strength.

Collection / Archive: Anefo Photo Collection
Reportage / Series: Unknown
Description: Relocation of hippopotamuses in Artis to the elephant enclosure
Date: 9 October 1963
Location: Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Keywords: Zoos, Hippopotamuses
Photographer: Joop van Bilsen (Anefo)
Copyright Holder: Nationaal Archief
Material Type: Black-and-white negative
Archive Inventory Number: 2.24.01.04
Item Number: 915-6162

📷 A striking glimpse into zoo operations in the early 1960s, when moving large animals like hippos required ingenuity and carefully designed enclosures.

If you like historical photographs like this one, consider sharing or uploading more old images—each photo helps preserve a small piece of our collective visual history.

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Contributed by

JOSE M LOPEZ

JOSE M LOPEZ

March 10, 2026

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