Ridiculous History CLASSIC: Clara, The World's Most Famous Rhinoceros
Dec 22, 2025
In this engaging discussion, animal behavior expert Katie Goldin, host of Creature Feature, shares her insights on Clara, the famous rhino who captivated Europe. The hosts explore the fascinating history of how rhinos were once seen as mythical creatures. Katie dives into the psychological effects of fame on Clara, discussing stress behaviors in captivity and how early handling affects animal development. They also tackle the ethical dilemmas of keeping such majestic creatures in captivity while reflecting on Clara's lasting legacy.
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Clara's Early Life And Sea Voyage
- Clara was orphaned in India and became Jan Albert Sichterman's house pet before being acquired by sea captain Dawamut Vandermeer. Vandermeer transported her to Europe, keeping her alive through long sea voyages with improvised care like fish oil moisturizers.
Clara's Quirks And Onboard Care
- During the voyage Clara acquired tastes for human items like orange peels, beer, and tobacco smoke and required fish oil skin treatments. These quirks became part of the lore around her personality and care.
Logistics Of Moving A Giant Animal
- By age eight Clara weighed about 5,000 pounds and consumed enormous rations including hay, bread, and many buckets of water each day. Transporting and housing such animals required reinforced coaches and bespoke ship accommodations.