Skelet olifant Ramon

Companies, funds and individuals sponsored the preparation and assembly of loose skeleton parts, so that the skeleton of this well-known elephant from Diergaarde Blijdorp could be set up in its full glory. The atmospheric octagonal tower room of the Natural History Museum was restored to its original state and is Ramon's permanent residence.

In July 2019, the elephant was reunited with the only excrement that was preserved of him. Ramon's Drol, acquired in 1974 by Rotterdam artist Bob van Persie, was given its own display case.

'Ramon' was born on 7 December 1970 in the Hannover Zoo. After six months he moved to Diergaarde Blijdorp, where he spent the rest of his life. Ramon was a household name in the zoo. He was the only bull, impatient and unpredictable, and a first-class 'breeding bull'. He fathered five offspring: Bernhardine (1984), Yasmin (1990), Indira (1995), Timber (1998) and Max (1998). On 24 April 1998 he succumbed to a cerebral haemorrhage during a mating with Douanita. Immediately after his death, the Natural History Museum Rotterdam was given access to the body. In the hours immediately following his death, the zoo and the Natural History Museum worked together to dissect the body and to debone the skeleton. The bones and the skull were - after an intensive and especially malodorous preparation process - preserved for the collection. The loose skeleton was placed in the museum depot and was forgotten.

Ramon, a unique Rotterdam natural history masterpiece, deserved more, however. In order to restore him to his former glory and to set up his skeleton - bone by bone - the museum started the sponsorship campaign 'Help Ramon get back up!' in October 2004. All skeleton parts, from skull to hind toe, were given a price tag ranging from 3750 to 25 euros. In total, the campaign raised 14,441 euros, enough to put Ramon back up and to furnish his new home - the tower room of Villa Dijkzigt - with style.