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The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week
American Hippo Ranchers, Peacock Vasectomies, Leave Einstein Alone
Oct 25, 2023
Sarah Gailey, an expert on the history of hippos in America, joins the podcast to discuss how hippos almost became extremely American. The hosts also delve into Miami officials performing vasectomies on peacocks to control their population and the ethical concerns around saving Einstein's brain.
01:18:22
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Quick takeaways
- The United States considered importing hippos from Africa as a solution to the meat shortage in 1910.
- Efforts to control the invasive plant, water hyacinth, involved strategies like mowing and submerging, but eradication proved challenging.
Deep dives
The Meat Question: Solving the Meat Shortage in 1910
In 1910, the United States faced a significant meat shortage known as the 'meat question'. Overgrazing and limited grazing areas led to concerns about how to feed the population. One proposed solution was to import hippopotamuses from Africa and raise them for food. Proponent Frederick Russell Burnham even raised funds for the venture. The idea gained some popularity, with politicians discussing the potential for turning swamp lands into hippo ranches. However, the plan ultimately did not materialize.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode