15 hilarious vintage photos of animals from 100 years ago

cat stroller vintage

Shouldn't it be the other way around?
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  • While many things have aged poorly over the past few decades, some are just as funny today.
  • That, of course, includes animals engaging in what can only be described as human behavior.
  • These incredible photos from 100 years ago include kittens helping out with household chores, pets in clothing, and an elephant attempting to ride a tram.
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As the days get shorter and the temperatures get colder, we could all use a little pick-me-up — and nothing elicits such pure joy as animals doing cute things.

From dogs sipping a beer to a sneaky pup stealing a kid's ice cream, these vintage photos from the last 100 years show animals doing what they do best: making us laugh.

This little guy is a little too focused on flirting — he should be watching out for his ice cream.

Always keep an eye on your ice cream.
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This photo is entitled "Who's Fooling Who," by William Milnarik, of Yonkers, New York.

This guy takes loving animals to a whole new level.

Move around butterfly kisses. It's all about giraffe kisses now.
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Captain Pfeiffer visited London Zoo for years and trained a giraffe to take a biscuit from his lips, seen here in 1933.

Personal hygiene is important, even for penguins.

A zookeeper gives a penguin a shower from a watering can in August 1930.
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It's not the only human behavior they enjoy. Penguins also love romantic strolls on the beach.

These two wiener dogs should probably be cut off.

Two pups in the 1890s enjoying a brew.
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Please don't try this at home — beer isn't good for dogs.

This tram might not be elephant-proof.

Mae West the elephant.
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The elephant, named Mae West, accepts an apple from a passing tram driver while taking her morning exercise in 1936.

This kitty is ready for liftoff.

Circa 1914.
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This photo is from a collection of images by photographer Harry Whittier Frees.

A very happy birthday to these two kitties.

Another image by Harry Whittier Frees.
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This looks like a party we'd love to be invited to.

Bet you didn't know that geese look great in glasses.

Actress Fay Webb with her goose.
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Film actress Fay Webb is pictured with her pet goose circa 1925 — but geese aren't the most friendly animals to keep as a pet. They've been known to attack humans.

This canine is clearly channeling Sherlock Holmes.

Sherlock Bones?
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Just look that at that pipe and hat.

Even cats like to play house, sometimes.

Shouldn't it be the other way around?
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This cat seems more than happy to play with this baby — but not all cats are so fond of humans.

Apparently, cats just really enjoy doing chores.

A cat hangs a row of tame rats on the washing line to dry in September 1933.
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They'll even cook for you.

Looks delicious.
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It'd be so helpful to have such an adorable sous-chef around.

This chimp has better balance than plenty of humans.

The suspense is killing us.
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That little puppy doesn't seem too concerned, though.

Forget about horse racing — apparently turtle racing was where all the action was in the '30s.

Slow and steady wins the race.
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The Lusty sisters, Diana and Zena, well-known in show-jumping circles, try out their paces on two turtles.

Of course, this is not a sport you should try today.

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