Frankfurt Zoo
When it comes to zoos being destroyed, the Frankfurt Zoo was no exception. They received the bulk of their destruction on March 18, 1944. The animal exhibits were blown to oblivion. Seal pools blasted away, aquariums decimated, offices with historical archives no longer existed. In the inferno that used to be the carnivore building, the cats had to be shot. An elephant also had to be killed, as it was hit by incendiary bomb directly and was burning to death. There were only 20 exotic animal survivors. After the first threats from air attacks came, the lions were shot to prevent escape. Most animals were then sent to other zoos for their own safety.