In 1938, the San Diego Zoo acquired two giraffes from east Africa. The ship they were on encountered the Great Hurricane of 1938, which left one giraffe injured. But that was only the beginning of their long journey, as they had to undergo quarantine and then ride across the US by truck. The giraffes weren't all that keen on the trip, but Lofty and Patches became superstars along the way. (via Fark)
Detailed in the book "West With Giraffes".
ReplyDeleteThe animals were probably better off on the boat... as long as it doesn't sink. No flying tree branches and not much chance of someones roof landing on them.
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting tangent to the '38 hurricane that made a big impression on New England. It was before I was born but as a kid every adult had a story of where they were and what they saw.
My Dad was working for Hood Dairy driving around to farms picking up 40 quart cans of milk. Usually a half day to make his run but so many trees down and bridges out, he didn't get back till late the next day.