Denmark’s Copenhagen zoo was founded in 1859, making it one of Europe’s oldest zoological institutions. Over 27 acres are filled with animal enclosures and tourist attractions.

No matter what you feel about zoos in general, these vintage pictures of Copenhagen’s zoo will blow you away. In 1955, it was a completely different time. People held many beliefs that are vastly different from modern ones. These images from that time are so strange, they seem downright crazy.

Come visit Copenhagen’s zoo.

Smoking chimps? Yeah, we have those.

When they’re not busy hitting the snack bar.

We also know how to keep our animals happy.

Hippos are happiest when they’re drinking liquor.

Leopards are meant to play with small children.

To play with penguins, you must also wear a suit. Just like they do.

Could I have a refill on my tea?

It’s snuggle time!

Maybe you could even rent out the bear cubs.

This is where we keep all of the cute at the zoo.

The elephants definitely could have had it better.

Back in the day, even Copenhagen had rare animals.

As it turns out, tigers like swimming, but they never liked baths.

Before he realized he was getting a bath.

“NOOOOO!”

The line for the zoo would go around the block. Today it remains one of the most popular destinations in Denmark.

Back in the day, people had some certainly strange ideas about what should happen at a zoo. One thing, though, is for certain: being a penguin waterer would be so much fun. These pictures are crazy, share them!

The post What Went On At This Zoo In 1955 Is So Bizarre I Can’t Believe It’s Real. WHAT THE? appeared first on Barnorama.