Philadelphia Zoo and "West with Giraffes" by Lynda Rutledge

Details

It's been a long hard year. I'm so excited for this first in-person meetup since March 2020 as we dip our toes into a return to 'normal.'

THE ACTIVITY: A stroll through the Philadelphia Zoo https://philadelphiazoo.org/

Opened in 1874, the Philadelphia Zoo is one of the first zoos in the United States. The Zoo is home to nearly 1,300 animals, many rare, endangered, and vulnerable animals, including giraffes, the title characters of this event's novel!

Let's stroll the zoo, find the giraffes, and discuss the book as we walk. I've set the event for 3 hours, but obviously you can stay as long or as little as you'd like!

FOOD: The zoo's concessions stands will probably be open, but be sure to check the website the day of. Feel free to bring your own picnic lunch!

PARKING/PUBLIC TRANSIT: Details on the zoo's website.

FEE:
We can get the group rate ($18 per person (update from $15 - they said the $15 is only for weekday student groups) if we have at least 15 attendees. I am limiting the event to 20 people, at this time. You must pay in advance by May 20 in order to reserve your spot. FIRST COME FIRST SERVE.

HOW TO PAY:
Venmo - @audrey- Heller1
PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/AudreyBug

Health and Safety are your own responsibility. You must adhere to the Zoo's rules at the time of visit.

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THE BOOK: "West with Giraffes" by Lynda Rutledge
From the publisher:
An emotional, rousing novel inspired by the incredible true story of two giraffes who made headlines and won the hearts of Depression-era America.

“Few true friends have I known and two were giraffes…”

Woodrow Wilson Nickel, age 105, feels his life ebbing away. But when he learns giraffes are going extinct, he finds himself recalling the unforgettable experience he cannot take to his grave.

It’s 1938. The Great Depression lingers. Hitler is threatening Europe, and world-weary Americans long for wonder. They find it in two giraffes who miraculously survive a hurricane while crossing the Atlantic. What follows is a twelve-day road trip in a custom truck to deliver Southern California’s first giraffes to the San Diego Zoo. Behind the wheel is the young Dust Bowl rowdy Woodrow. Inspired by true events, the tale weaves real-life figures with fictional ones, including the world’s first female zoo director, a crusty old man with a past, a young female photographer with a secret, and assorted reprobates as spotty as the giraffes.