Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and impending war in Europe, 'West with Giraffes' is the poignant narration of Woodrow Wilson Nickel, now 105 years old, as he reflects on a defining adventure of his youth. This expedition concerned two resilient giraffes that captured the hearts of an aching nation, having survived a tempestuous ocean voyage to America. Woodrow, reminiscent to a more vibrant time, recounts the extraordinary twelve-day journey he piloted from New York to the San Diego Zoo, tasked with the care of these gentle giants. Alongside an ensemble of historical and fictional personalities, including a pioneering female zoo director and a spirited photographer with her own secrets, the story delves into themes of compassion, human connection, and the transformative impact of encountering the natural world. 'West with Giraffes' is more than a historical tale; it's a story of personal growth, the enchantment of wildlife, and the indelible imprint of a journey shared with the unlikeliest of friends.