Hippo about Town
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Hippo about Town
The hippo-about-town
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4346178
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10140224
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, titled 'Hippo about Town' (Mary Evans Code: 1022522), transports us back to the early 20th century and an extraordinary moment in history when a hippopotamus named Hans made headlines around the world. Hans was not a wild hippo roaming the African savannah but rather a domesticated one that lived in the heart of Europe, specifically in the German town of Hagenbeck. The image shows Hans, with his massive size and powerful jaws, standing in the middle of a bustling town square. Surrounded by curious onlookers, Hans seems to have become a beloved local attraction, as children reach out to touch his rough skin and adults marvel at his size. The townspeople, dressed in their early 20th-century attire, appear to be in awe of their unusual neighbor. This photograph offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the human fascination with the natural world and the desire to bring exotic animals into their communities. The image also highlights the changing relationship between humans and animals during this period, as people began to keep wild animals as pets or attractions. The photograph's historical significance is further emphasized by the fact that Hans was not an isolated case. Other large animals, such as elephants and lions, were also kept in European towns and cities during the early 20th century, reflecting the growing trend of animal exhibitions and zoos. 'Hippo about Town' is not only a fascinating record of a remarkable historical event but also a poignant reminder of the complex relationship between humans and animals throughout history. This image invites us to reflect on the past and consider the implications of our current interactions with the natural world.
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