The 1889 voyage where a cargo ship became a literal jungle
In short: In the late 19th century, a merchant vessel became the site of a bizarre maritime takeover. This video explores the chaotic journey of the Margaret, a ship carrying a diverse menagerie of animals that eventually overwhelmed its human crew.
In late 1889, the ship Margaret departed from Durban, South Africa, bound for Boston. Under the command of Captain Sargent, the vessel carried a highly unusual cargo: at least 100 cockatoos, a dozen snakes, two crocodiles, an orangutan, a gorilla, and an unspecified number of monkeys and parrots.
While specific historical records of the ensuing chaos have faded over time, the incident remains a notable example of the risks involved in transporting exotic wildlife during the Victorian era.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: That Time Snakes, Monkeys, Crocodiles, Rats, and a Gorilla Took Over a Ship
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