'Rotterdamsche Diergaarde' is Dutch for 'Rotterdam's Animal Garden/Zoo'.
History
The Rotterdamsche Diergaarde opened its doors. It was however a zoo accessible only to members of its founding institution.
To counter financial troubles, the zoo lowered membership fees, provided more opening days for non-members and added events and rides in the hope of attracting more guests. The city of Rotterdam was also eyeing for the property it sat on for city development.
An agreement was reached with the city of Rotterdam for the zoo to move to a different location in the city. Over the next 3 years, a new zoo was built which is now still in operation under the name Diergaarde Blijdorp.
The new zoo started moving over the animals from 1940 on. German WWII bombings of the city hit the old zoo badly. The move of the animals had to be stepped up even when not all of the facilities of the new zoo were ready yet. On May 12th 1940, the old zoo and inner city were hit so badly, the zoo closed on May 14th 1940. The new zoo partially opened on July 7th 1940.