Tanja the hippo returns to ARTIS this fall

News ARTIS-Groote Museum

1 July 2025

On 25 December 2009, ARTIS lost one of its most iconic residents: Tanja the hippo. On this day, hundreds of visitors gathered to say goodbye to the animal that had won such a special place in their hearts.

An exhibition on our connection with animals

But what actually made Tanja such an iconic animal? And what does the love for Tanja say about the deeper connection between humans and nature?

The love and connection visitors felt for Tanja reflects how deep our relationship with animals is. It was this connection that made Tanja a living symbol of the changing way we look at nature.

A special return to ARTIS-Groote Museum

This fall, Tanja returns for the second time, this time as part of a new exhibition In ARTIS-Groote Museum. The exhibition gives visitors the chance to see Tanja again and invites us to think now about our connection to everything that lives.

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