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.

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!