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Story: Culture and recreation in the city

Riding the elephant at Auckland Zoo

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Riding the elephant at Auckland Zoo

In the early 20th century Wellington and Auckland opened zoos which became popular attractions for residents and visitors to the cities. At both zoos the elephant was always a favourite with the children. This group is at Auckland Zoo, in the early 1900s.

Using this item

Auckland Council Libraries − Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero o Tāmaki Makaurau, Sir George Grey Special Collections

Reference: 35-R176

by Frederick George Radcliffe

Permission of Auckland City Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Jock Phillips, Culture and recreation in the city – Sport and recreation, 1900–1965, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/25685/riding-the-elephant-at-auckland-zoo (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Jock Phillips, published 26 February 2010.