West with Giraffes is a USA Today bestselling historical novel by Lynda Rutledge, inspired by the true story of two giraffes who journeyed across Depression-era America. The year is 1938. A violent hurricane has just swept the Atlantic, leaving two giraffes miraculously alive and arriving at New York Harbor. Their destination: the San Diego Zoo. Tasked with getting them there is an aging, cantankerous zookeeper, a desperate young man with a troubled past, and a determined female photographer chasing her big break. Over twelve days and thousands of miles, their unforgettable road trip captures the imagination of a struggling nation—and changes their lives forever. Told in richly evocative prose, West with Giraffes is a tale of adventure, resilience, and the surprising bonds between humans and animals. Blending fact and fiction, it offers a heartwarming glimpse of hope in a time of hardship, reminding us of the healing power of wonder. Perfect for fans of Water for Elephants and The Four Winds, this novel is both a moving historical journey and a celebration of the human spirit.