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Children Racing Turtles at Hamburg Zoo, 1908
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Children Racing Turtles at Hamburg Zoo, 1908
Illustration showing a group of children riding giant tortoises at Hagenbecks Zoological Gardens, Hamburg, 1908. Each of the jockeys is shown carrying a stick with a lettuce on the end to encourage their animal
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Media ID 4392245
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10220146
Encourage Giant Hamburg Lettuce Shown Stick Tortoises Turtles Zoological
EDITORS COMMENTS
This illustration transports us back in time to the Hagenbecks Zoological Gardens in Hamburg, Germany, in the year 1908. In the foreground, a thrilling scene unfolds as a group of children eagerly race their giant turtles, each jockey determinedly holding a long stick with a lettuce leaf at its end. The expression of excitement and focus on the faces of the young racers is palpable, as they encourage their slow-moving mounts to pick up speed. The illustration, titled "Children Racing Turtles," offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the playful and whimsical side of zoo visits during the early 20th century. The Hagenbecks Zoological Gardens, founded by Carl Hagenbeck in 1863, were renowned for their innovative and naturalistic animal enclosures. The gardens became a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering visitors an opportunity to observe exotic animals up close. The inclusion of animal races, such as the one depicted in this illustration, added an element of entertainment and fun to the zoo experience. Despite the playful nature of the scene, it is important to remember that the practice of having children ride on the backs of giant turtles was not without controversy. The large weight of the children could cause undue stress to the animals, and the use of sticks with lettuce to encourage them to move faster may have contributed to their distress. Today, such practices are not condoned in modern zoos and animal welfare is a top priority.
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