The Last Quagga

Between 1870 and 1940 humans of various backgrounds were exhibited in zoos all over Europe. Many of them died. Their mortal remains were dissected, examined, stored in museums or buried in the zoos. In Germany alone, up to 300 different groups of as many as 100 individuals were shown. All this stopped in 1940, when during the Third Reich performances by and employment of persons of colour was prohibited. The quagga doesn’t realise he’s the last of his kind. He’s been proud to represent Africa over his years in the Zoo, the monotony of caged life relieved by the stories of the other animals, and the excitement of groups arriving for the Human Exhibitions. Louise, Alfons, Ralph, Marina and the quagga – their stories entwine in this tale of captivity and choices.