The first bomb the allies dropped on berlin in wwii killed the only elephant in the berlin zoo

The First Bombing of Berlin in World War II Tragically Claimed the Life of the Berlin Zoo’s Only Elephant

During World War II, Berlin, the capital city of Germany, endured devastating bombing attacks from the Allies. In the midst of this chaos, the first bomb to be dropped on Berlin by the Allies resulted in an unexpected and tragic loss - the death of the Berlin Zoo’s only elephant.

The Berlin Zoo, founded in 1844 and located in Tiergarten, was a renowned zoological garden known for its diverse range of animal species. One of its iconic inhabitants was an elephant named Siam, who had become a beloved attraction for visitors from all over Germany.

On the 30th of January, 1940, during the early stages of the war, the British Royal Air Force initiated Operation Wikinger, which aimed to drop propaganda leaflets over Berlin as a warning to German civilians. However, the mission did not go as planned.

Due to poor weather conditions and limited visibility, the British bombers mistakenly released their payload of bombs over Berlin. One of these bombs found its tragic mark, directly hitting the elephant enclosure at the Berlin Zoo.

The bomb instantly killed Siam the elephant, shattering the hearts of zookeepers and visitors alike. As shreds of the enclosure were scattered across the zoo, the loss of such a magnificent creature left a profound impact on all who witnessed the aftermath.

The death of Siam was not merely a loss for the Berlin Zoo, but also a symbol of the toll war can take on innocent lives, both human and animal. The Allied bombing campaign on Berlin would continue to intensify, inflicting substantial damage on the city and its inhabitants over the course of the war.

Although the attack on the Berlin Zoo’s elephant was accidental, it serves as a poignant reminder of the collateral damage incurred during wartime. The loss of Siam, a gentle and majestic creature, resonated deeply within the community and underscored the tragedy that war brings upon all.

(Source: War History Online)