The story of Clara
In the summer of 1741, a young rhinoceros arrived in the Netherlands. Never before had a living rhino been seen here. She was named Clara and spent seventeen years traveling with her owner through large parts of Europe. From calf she grew into an adult animal - big, heavy and with a huge appetite.
Clara is the main character of this story, even though she spent the whole of her life in captivity. Her lot was determined by people and throughout her life she met far more people than rhinoceroses. At the same time, she has come to symbolize her species. When Clara arrived in Europe, hardly anyone knew anything about rhinoceroses, and what they did know was invariably incorrect. The simple fact that she was here meant that Clara was able to change this. Her presence led to curiosity, knowledge, appreciation and possibly even to a certain understanding, although she – and the rhinoceros in general – remained essentially alien to humans. On this account alone she continues to be a wonder beast.