Hurricane Giraffes: San Diego's First Giraffes

In 1938, the merchant steamer SS Robin Goodfellow was caught in the Great New England Hurricane. On board the ship were some unique passengers: two Giraffes. Those Giraffes, caught in a storm that killed hundreds of people, were en route to San Diego, California, and the storm was only the beginning of their cross-country journey.
Support The History Guy on Patreon: / thehistoryguy
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
You can purchase the bow tie worn in this episode at The Tie Bar:
www.thetiebar.com/?...
All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
Please send suggestions for future episodes: [e-mail]
The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered is the place to find short snippets of forgotten history from five to fifteen minutes long. If you like history too, this is the channel for you.
Subscribe for more forgotten history: / @thehistoryguychannel .
Awesome The History Guy merchandise is available at:
thehistoryguy-shop.fourthwall...
Script by JCG
#history #thehistoryguy #SanDiego

[@karlmann2047]

Love these little tidbits and oddities of history that one would never learn anywhere else. ❤️

[@CatonaWall175]

Yes it was a lovely story and has quite made my day.

[@MrScott1171]

With all the damage that the Long Island Express, as the Hurricane of '38 was dubbed, an interesting story of survival on the ocean and then a trip across the country to go to the San Diego Zoo. These two Giraffes deserved to be remembered.

[@stellviahohenheim]

Shut up

[@gr8flyerfan]

Fascinating story! It's rather difficult to transport giraffes due to their unique anatomy. My daughter is a veterinarian, and did an internship at the Philadelphia Zoo one summer. She learned a great deal on that subject.

[@truthsRsung]

Is it funny how humans have designed transportation to fit their own anatomy? Is it strange that we collect living beings?... then risk their well being by creating them like pianos, moving them thru multiple climates rapidly that weren't secured on the ship in the FIRST PLACE, and terrified to the point they'd prefer a box to open sky and trees. Here's another thing we learned today... The US was celebrating the opening of the Panama Canal while it's population lived on scraps and the Giraffes weren't transported thru it. Either the Zoo owners refused to wait for the opening of the canal, for the Giraffes sake, or, the Giraffes cross-Continental journey was a planned publicity stunt. I can draw lines across the ocean, too. I'm not bad at reading between the lines, putting two and two together, and washing off the candy coating. How 'bout you? Edit: I'd have rather seen an "Africa Zoo Airlines" built and have the humans suffer the journey ...and the accomodations.

[@otpyrcralphpierre1742]

Even though there were no Pirates involved, Giraffta love this story.

[@alkberg2140]

I spend two years in San Diego. My mom had the two kids while my dad was at sea. The zoo was an affordable way to spend a day, so I have many fond memories of the zoo and carousel at the entry. Maybe a show on the carousel?

[@claytonbouldin9381]

I don't know where you find your stories, sir. But they always bring a smile to my face and I always learn something along the way too.

[@psjz]

There is a lovely piece of historical fiction based on the adventures of these giraffes called “West with Giraffes” by Lynda Rutledge. It is wonderful to hear the truth behind the story. Thank you!

[@amygolly9319]

I've recently read it too, and came looking to figure out the facts behind the fictional and heartwarming story.

[@franceswatts4001]

@@amygolly9319 me too!

[@karlmahlmann]

This is always a fun trip, listening to some lost history - that shouldn't be forgotten.

[@stevedietrich8936]

Joan Embery's appearances on the Tonight Show were always highlights. Interesting to hear how the San Diego zoo originated.

[@RetiredSailor60]

Good morning from Ft Worth TX to everyone watching. Was stationed in San Diego from 1984-89 on USS Cape Cod AD 43 and USS Kinkaid DD 965. Visited the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, and Balboa Park...

[@HM2SGT]

I was stationed at the Naval Hospital. The Navy had just recently built the new hospital (new in the mid-80s at least LOL!) And was using the old hospital as Barracks. Of course the building was condemned, and one of the lifts had a habit of going down rather than going up. The scuttlebutt was that it would fall which made every trip and adventure.😅

[@RetiredSailor60]

@@HM2SGT I spent a week in the old Naval hospital July 1987. Parts of the movie Like Father, Like Son with Dudley Moore and Kirk Cameron was shot in the new Naval Hospital in 1987. One of my friends was an extra in the movie.

[@jjphank]

Read the Bible or you’re ignoring God, that’s the only way to heaven, said Jesus himself!

[@mikenixon2401]

So many things we take for granted when it comes to transport. Even today. Thank you for another good report.

[@jonathanperry8331]

Hurricanes giraffes would be a good band name

[@Alexander-fr1kk]

Love this channel!!! It’s nice to be able to find REAL history somewhere…

[@HM2SGT]

I'm from the highlands of Northeast Kingdom, up in the Notches of the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and my grandmother would talk about this hurricane and watching the chickens on the roof of the barn as it went floating along. I don't think we've really had anyting comprable in the last century. Thankfully!

[@otpyrcralphpierre1742]

Ahem....Katrina.

[@john_smith_john]

@@otpyrcralphpierre1742 There's a difference though with hurricanes between flooding hurricanes and windy hurricanes in terms of how the damage is done

[@russcrawford3310]

@@otpyrcralphpierre1742 - Katrina was a category 3 storm, Andrew (1992) was cat 5 on landfall ...

[@dennisriblett4622]

Highlands ? I live at a mile high elevation in the high desert of SE Oregon .Your highest Mountain is maybe 700 feet higher .And I live at the foot of a "hill" that is 6355 feet .Perspective matters .

[@tgmccoy1556]

@@dennisriblett4622 I live in NE Oregon in the foothill of the blue and wallowa mountains . Eastern Oregon is not Douglas firs and rain. for sure.

[@jonathanperry8331]

Has anyone experienced 120 mph winds? I stuck my hand out of the car window going 180 once it was pretty intense. I couldn't imagine standing outside with that blowing at me.

[@HM2SGT]

For fun you might look up Mount Washington Observatory Breakfast of Champions. There are lots of videos of people experiencing the high winds there; until recently it was the site of the highest recorded winds, 231 miles an hour in 1931. The new record was set in a Pacific cyclone! The winds on top of The Rockpile are so strong that old buildings had to be secured to the mountain with Battleship chains!

[@stratostar562]

Skydivers fall at 120 mph. So the relative wind is 120 mph.

[@tygrkhat4087]

Worst I've ever been in is 60+ mph. The winds off Lake Erie can be brutal.

[@stanstenson8168]

My wife and I made the mistake of not leaving for hurricane Harvey. A mistake that we will never make again.

[@garyglenn3654]

With our season pass, we go to the San Diego Zoo every quarter. Awesome place and now I know how it started.

[@lairdcummings9092]

I've been there many times; it was - for that time - an unusually comprehensive collection, with advanced naturalistic displays.

[@keithkearns93]

What a fabulous story. Cheers from Australia.

[@scruffysstash]

It's topics like this that amaze me. something seemingly so forgotten to history, is brought to life again. Excellent research History Guy!

[@MightyMezzo]

I watched a very good PBS program about the 1938 hurricane, but this is the first I’ve heard of these two giraffes. Another great video! Thank you.

[@kantemirovskaya1lightninga30]

Nice episode Lance. It reminded me of my childhood growing up in the early 70s and going to the San Diego zoo.

[@jeffking4176]

Love your channel. Always interesting 📻🙂

[@georgemallory797]

I cannot look at a giraffe without smiling.

[@J.A.Smith2397]

Have a great weekend history Guy n see ya Monday

[@MomentsInTrading]

I’ll add- Around that time, Balboa Park was adding a lot of the architecture that it is known for. (There are some really interesting buildings and other architecture there.)

[@shawngraham1262]

The USDA's Animal Import Center that the giraffes stopped at operated in the Athenia section of Clifton, NJ until the 70s. I grew up nearby and would see the animals brought or walking there, even for a brief moment as they were in quarantine. Some of the buildings, barns, etc. still exist as part of the city's municipal complex and I believe are on the National Register of Historic Places.

[@amyelder6964]

Maybe the Animal Import Center is history that needs to be remembered.

[@Twolegger]

Would love to read articles from local news papers about the transit through their area of readership. What a unique experience.

[@nopeyadayadayada1248]

Thank you Sir. I recall we went to that Zoo, when I was maybe 12 yrs old.... over 45 yrs ago. The thing that stands out in memory is them making a big, big deal about their Giraffes and me thinking that it was silly as I'd seen plenty of Giraffes in my short life. Your story here brings an answer I can't believe was answered. Wow.

[@cruzcontrol1504]

Really enjoy your progress/success with your channel

[@randallfabian6640]

"Hey, remember that one time when we had to feed giraffes, pancakes in a hurricane?" Said no one ever.

[@DonnyBrook762]

I still remember the ads saying, "you belong in the zoo, the San Diego Zoo." As a child, spent many days roaming around the the zoo and Balboa Park. I just so happened to be at zoo with my grandmother the day of the PSA crash in North Park (another one of your episodes). Thank for your good work.

[@nilo70]

Thank you Lance for making this wonderful episode !

[@raydunakin]

As a long-time resident of San Diego and a member of the zoological society, this story was especially interesting to me.

[@sterfry8502]

I can’t wait to hear the podcast on this episode! I love to hear the behind the scenes stuff and little bits that didn’t make it into the video. Great video but even better KZbin channel! 👍👍

[@avilacanario]

It is a joy to see how you research your material to present the stories of the past to enhance our wonder of what was forgotten and then presented again. Well done, thank you ...

[@charlesachurch7265]

Fascinating presentation thanks xxx

[@diannhall7564]

Thank you. I did really enjoy this episode. Wonderful pictures of giraffes ☺️. Amazing story.

[@markjannakos503]

I enjoy your work so much! not only do you entertain but teach too. thankyou so much!

[@CatonaWall175]

What a lovely story. Thank you.

[@rebekahashe4023]

Giraffes are my favorite animal, so was really happy to see you have a video about them. Thanks so much, love history and love your channel!

[@skychief7716]

This was a fascinating tidbit of history. Thanks for telling us. After the end of WWII when I was about four years old my family moved to San Diego and stayed until sometime after the Korean War. I remember going to the zoo in San Diego on many Sunday afternoon’s with my family. I clearly remember these two giraffes there at the zoo. And because of these many family zoo outings the giraffes became my favorite African animal to see in any zoo I’ve ever visited.

[@joebykaeby]

While it would’ve been far better to leave the poor things where they belong, it’s heartening to hear how many considerations and accommodations were made to keep these two giraffes comfortable and as happy as possible while they were traveling. We usually think of animals being horribly abused in the old days, and that’s an earned stereotype, but it wasn’t universal. The thought of the rhino, trapped in its crate to drown as it went overboard, is still heartbreaking.

[@keirangray902]

I always enjoy hearing stories about conservation

[@shawnr771]

Thank you for the lesson

[@karlbrundage7472]

My US Navy experience began in San Diego with Basic Training and then Electrical and Electronics School, followed by Interior Communications School. I hated all of it. My only solace of my experience of San Diego was the Zoo. I visited it as often as I could and count some of its inhabitants as my long-lost friends.................

[@mikemodugno5879]

What a fun video. I would love to see a video about our own historic St. Louis Zoo.

[@ve2vfd]

One may say this was a Tall Tale ;)

[@markmartin5248]

Your the greatest History Guy Eva!

[@v.e.7236]

Like a good geologist, THG has uneartherd another fine gemstone from the annals of time.

[@dmurphine]

Love the story about the beginnings of my home town zoo. And the giraffes! Thank you!

[@ajnormandgroome]

I've read a lot about the New England Express. I never heard this story of giraffes at sea during 1938 hurricane. Considering the hurricane destruction, the giraffes were lucky to make it to port and come ashore

[@dougjenks6954]

Dam , so comfortable listening to the history guy ! For got sore feet and work in about 8 seconds.

[@georgehartshorn9018]

Thanks again. My older brother had an apartment about two hundred yards from the back gate of the zoo. At night you could hear the animals calling and roaring. The lions sounded like they were right out back. It could keep you up at night and in the house.

[@rexmyers991]

Absolutely fascinating! Great telling of the story. I hung every word. Thanks

[@fredcloud9668]

Wonderful story.

[@acspicer]

WHERE HAS THIS CHANNEL BEEN ALL MY LIFE

[@marystewart4743]

Awesome info.

[@Chris-hd3yc]

Very cool, giraffes are my favorite animals. Much appreciated!

[@pdoylemi]

Thanks! I love Balboa Zoo - this was a great bit of history of it.

[@-jeff-]

THG really stuck his neck out with this tale from history!

[@christopping5876]

Like James Bond, Nobody does it better!

[@rickharold7884]

That’s a super cute story, thanks!

[@donnstambaugh1506]

Thanks

[@mrs6968]

that was definitely worth remembering I want to see it as a movie

[@THE-HammerMan]

Thank you for this interesting bit of history that I'd not heard before... and deserves to be remembered. Plan on TWO days to see all the San Diego Zoo's exhibits! Name another zoo that is so large and fantastic as to need two full days to see it all! It really is the world's best zoo.

[@MarshOakDojoTimPruitt]

thanks

[@gerrysongs4170]

My suggestion is the 1967 Our World first live around the world television broadcast. The entire show is available on KZbin.

[@tsmithkc]

The poor Rhino!!

[@johnwilson2338]

T.H.G., 1st, I love the fact that you wear bowties, 2nd, I'm impressed by your straightforward style of delivering the (potentially obsolete, yet should be remembered) bits and pieces of history. I always find myself learning more about something I was aware of, but more often than not, learning something that maybe I'd heard about but had little to no information on.👍👍 KZbin only allows me 1 👍, so I've given some extras! 3rd, keep on doing what you are doing! Because it's awesome!

[@candyflair7946]

Thank you for the story. It was a nice story for over my morning coffee. I do not normally watch videos until the sun goes down. I ♡ giraffes.

[@toddrouch7526]

That was a great history lesson first thing in the morning.

[@BasicDrumming]

I Love History!

[@biggtoe90]

I go to the San Diego Zoo or the Safari Park at least once a month. This is a story I have never heard. I love hearing these bits of history about the city I love.

[@zobblewobble1770]

I was planning to visit the San Diego Zoo just next month. This video was so timely and interesting to watch (I especially was fascinated by the Panama Canal connection)

[@lindadorman1734]

A new book," West with giraffes" written by Lynda Rutledge is a Great story of their journey.

[@christophermiller3031]

I'm a giraffe!🦒 well... I own a giraffe onesie that I have worn easily hundreds of times. and well, I promise you, if you wear a synthetic outfit resembling an animal often enough... you become closer to that animal than you have ever been before! 🖖

[@petergray7576]

Kinda sticking out your neck aren't cha?😂

[@christophermiller3031]

@@petergray7576 your comment makes me want to think of a giraffe joke based upon your... is it a pun? ... why does a giraffe make good wingman? ... they will always stick their neck out for ya. ... maybe a better idea for 'wingman'...

[@adreabrooks11]

This story makes me think of Steam Powered Giraffe - a steampunk band of some note, who got their start busking in Balboa Park, where this story's zoo was established. David Michael Bennett, founder of the band, has always stated that he "just liked giraffes" and that his twin sister an co-founder Isabella was a fan of steampunk - so it just came together... but now I'm curious if there might be a few more tidbits to the story.

[@heidiedelman6840]

How interesting!

[@njpaddler]

That does it. I'll never look at pancakes the same way again.

[@pamelamays4186]

To this day, the giraffes at the San Diego Zoo are a visitor favorite.🦒🦒🦒🦒

[@timothyhays1817]

Hatari movie come to mind. John Wayne riding on a fender of a truck trying to lasso a giraffe. Red Buttons laughing as he was driving the truck.

[@johnr797]

"Weathered a hurricane" Oh jeez

[@onliwankannoli]

I like to move it move it…… What? No Madagascar comments? They should have named the male Melman. 😆

[@Paladin1873]

That's one tall tale.

[@larryblanks6306]

You should do one about Balboa Park San Diego.

[@JTA1961]

sounds like a tall story to me😂

[@otpyrcralphpierre1742]

Now That's a Stretch!

[@halonothing1]

It's nice to hear of a zoo animal story that didn't involve any abuse. Like when the female giraffe refused to leave the one place for 2 days. Back in those days, if it was just a typical farmer or zookeeper they likely woulda just cattle prodded the thing until it did what they wanted. That's how some zookeepers or animal handlers seem to operate even to this day. But it's just common sense that a happy animal is going to be a health animal. Especially if you want to breed them. And just how much they tried to cater to their every comfort despite the situation. It was a refreshing change of pace from the usual stories.

[@steven.h0629]

I'd like to see pictures of the bus and it's journey too 🥂

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Occurring in 1938, no pictures were yet in the Public Domain.

[@lencac7952]

Hi History Guy: How about a video on the lose of 90% of all military records in the St. Louis repository in 1970. I believe it was a result of arson. This affects me in that my father was a combat medic in ETO. The only record of his service was the separation docs that my dad received when discharged. My understanding is veterans affairs is trying to reconstruct the records for decades as best as possible from other sources. My dad's separation papers state his path was Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, Central Europe. I very much wanted to see his detailed service records. So that's when I looked into and found out about the lose of nearly all records. So I contacted them and sent them the separation papers to see if there were any more records. They replied saying thank you for submitting my separation papers and they would add them to the repository as the separation records is all they now have on my dad. So I think that would be a very interesting.

[@WhiteCamry]

@ 2:32 ... George IV was king of GB in 1827.

[@alanmoffat4454]

NOW THATS A CHANGE BUT STILL A GOOD STORY 👍.

[@NoahSpurrier]

When you see a giraffe in real life they are amazing.

[@javelbarkley5399]

Gotta love it

[@O-sa-car]

the Long Island Express made landfall as a Cat 3 btw

[@JagerLange]

Somewhere in the Multiverse, Tom Hanks has played one of these giraffes in an award-winning picture.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Back in the Saddle Again!

[@adampuccinosr8492]

This is off subject, but to you have any unique shot glasses in your merch?

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

So sorry, we only have coffee mugs and beer glasses. I'll look into shot glasses.

[@adampuccinosr8492]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel they're a lot easier to collect and display. Also, love your shows.

[@kortjohn]

This is quite a tall tale.

[@frednone]

Wow, calling a ship 'The Robin Goodfellow' is tempting fate.

[@turnerdan53]

Growing up in Cincinnati we always heard the story of the Philadelphia Zoo opening up uncompleted to beat Cincinnati as the nations 1st zoo. I wonder what the contest was like.