How Olli the Elephant Scored Big
for Feyenoord
and Saved the Zoo
In the heart of Rotterdam, Olli the lovable elephant became a true hero and unifier. When the beloved local zoo Diergaarde Blijdorp faced serious financial trouble, Olli, the charming stuffed toy turned giant mascot, captured the imagination of the entire city through a heartwarming campaign featuring Feyenoord legend Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Feyenoord fans warmly embraced Olli with open arms, turning him into a symbol of pride and solidarity, while the club itself showed its deep affection by proudly featuring the zoo on their team shirts for the rest of the season.
Thanks to Olli’s magic, hundreds of thousands of plush elephants flew off the shelves, raising vital funds and bringing football supporters, zoo lovers, and the whole community together in a beautiful display of Rotterdam spirit and unity.
Olli's Blijdorp
on the shirt of Feyenoord
The Feyenoord supporters
Despite his big, round physique, Olli has been warmly embraced by Dutch sports culture, especially soccer. As Feyenoord’s beloved mascot, he stands for movement, fun, and playful games that welcome all generations. Through his support of various sports events, Olli proves that everyone, regardless of body type or size, can be an athlete, promoting the joyful message that sport and exercise are for all.
The day soccer fans adopted Olli
On March 28, 2013, the Olli plush shop opened at the Rotterdam Zoo, and it was an instant phenomenon.
From day one, Olli was a massive hit.
Everyone wanted their own cuddly elephant.
Feyenoord fans in particular went wild, embracing Olli as one of their own.
The queues stretched long as supporters, young and old alike, flocked to the zoo to adopt their new mascot.
Even today, years later, Olli is still being happily hugged and sniffed all over Rotterdam.
You’re never too old for an Olli cuddle!
One short story...
Cultural phenomenon
Olli has grown into a true cultural phenomenon in the Netherlands.
For adults, the lovable, big, round gray elephant represents lighthearted joy, nostalgia, and a playful rejection of overly serious "adulting."
His charm runs so deep that thousands have proudly tattooed him on their skin, while others celebrate him through jewelry and nail art.
​
