The Monument Project

MOAPH has initiated a new project in which we contact the owner of a historic building or farm that was once the original location of a famous aquarist, bird breeder, reptile breeder, or other pet animal breeder. Once we have permission, we arrange to install a plaque or monument on the inside or outside of the building to honor the person or company that contributed so much to the hobby we all love. We are hoping to accomplish one MOAPH plaque or monument per year, with our first one just installed at the original house in Germany of the famous Ruhe family. The Ruhe company lasted over 100 years and spanned three generations of the family, dealing in live mammals and birds for Zoos, circuses, and private individuals. Alex Haro traveled to Germany and personally presented this plaque to the current owner of the historic Ruhe House.

Please read Alex Haro’s series on the Ruhe family business, released monthly in MOAPH, which is a translation from German of Hermann Ruhe’s autobiography of their company.

Currently, we are working on Otto Beldt and Hugo Mulertt as our next two plaque or monument recipients.