The Washington Park Zoo ~ 1928-1946

Image of a Rhinoceros

1943
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Karonga the rhinoceros came to the Zoo and was one of the most popular animals.  Another popular animal, Yacob the hippo, was one of the oldest animals in the Zoo.  Legends about Yacob’s beginning were numerous, as old-timers told the story of his arrival in 1913.  It was said that after a long journey from Vienna, Yacob sank to the bottom of the tank and refused to come up, even for air. Alarmed keepers called the hippo’s previous caretaker, Hagenbeck, for help.  Hagenbeck stepped to the front of the tank and yelled “Yacob, komm raus!”  At this point, the hippo came up to survey his new surroundings.  Rumors spread that Yacob just didn’t understand English!