Betsy and the Moorish Palace: The Hague Zoo 1920-1942 in Vivid Color

Travel back in time with this rare color footage of The Hague Zoo in the Netherlands, captured between 1920 and 1942, before its closure in 1943. Open since 1863, this zoo delighted The Hague with lions, tigers, bears, elephants, monkeys, seals, deer, and a vibrant array of birds, including dancing pelicans. Star attraction Betsy, the mischievous elephant, snatched hats from visitors, while the Moorish palace-style main building—demolished in 1966—shone like an exotic gem. Its 4-second opening shot is a unique treasure, revealing a theater that hosted exhibitions, parties, and, during WWII, German rallies. From lively 1920s funfairs to frolicking penguins, this two-part film (1940s and 1920s) unveils a lost legacy—a treat for history buffs, nature lovers, and Dutch nostalgia fans.