Learn about Aalborg Zoo's development from 1935 until today in the timeline below

Over the decades, Aalborg Zoo has developed into one of Denmark's most distinctive zoological gardens. Since its opening in 1935, the zoo has undergone countless changes and additions that have shaped it into the modern attraction it is today.

1935:
On 13 April, Aalborg Zoo opens its doors for the first time and welcomes guests to an impressive area of over 70,000 m². On the opening day, more than 7,000 people attend, eager to experience the new zoo. In the same year, the sculpture "The Good Heist", also known as the Bear Man, will be erected in August. The artwork was created by the Aalborg sculptor C.J. Bonnesen.

1936:
The bear caves, which will become one of the garden's most memorable features for many visitors, are established.

1938:
Aalborg Zoo gets its first polar bears, which will make their home in the facility where Red Panda currently resides.

1946:
The garden expands with a pheasantry - an area that is later transformed into the current predator house.

1948:
Elephants Frank and Lene arrive at Aalborg Zoo as a gift from Aalborg Omnibus Company. Sadly, they die in 1951 while the zoo is working to raise funds for a new elephant house.

1956:
After years of planning, a new, modern elephant house is finally complete and Aalborg Zoo welcomes two new Asian elephants - also named Frank and Lene.

1960:
Two baby orangutans, Charlie and Susie, arrive from Borneo. Together they have eight babies, and Charlie eventually becomes one of the zoo's most iconic residents. He lives a long life at Aalborg Zoo and doesn't die until 2022, aged 44.
At the same time, the zoo receives 13 emperor penguins, captured in Antarctica - a practice that already caused debate back then. Today, zoos no longer take animals from the wild.

1966:
For the first and only time in the zoo's history, a baby elephant is born at Aalborg Zoo. He is named Siporex, but later moves to Hannover Zoo.

1968:
Aalborg Zoo is expanding with a new three-acre area in the southern part of the zoo. The new area will be home to African savannah animals - a function it still fulfils today.

1970:
The zoo is transitioning from a public limited company to a self-governing institution, marking a new era in zoo operations.