USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Five more voyages followed before Emperor Yongle’s death in 1424; they included excursions to Hormuz-the Arab port at the mouth of the Persian Gulf-and the coast of eastern Africa, from which He returned with giraffes, zebras, and other items unfamiliar to the Chinese.

Detailed explanation-2: -From Africa, Zheng He brought back such exotica as lions, leopards, camels, ostriches, rhinos, zebras, and giraffes.

Detailed explanation-3: -He brought back all sorts of interesting items including animals such a giraffe and camels. He also brought back diplomats from various countries to meet with the Chinese Emperor. It is believed that he died during the seventh and final treasure mission.

Detailed explanation-4: -The animal was picked up by a ship detailed from the fleet that Zheng He commanded in the Indian Ocean and subsequently transported to Beijing. When it arrived the giraffe caused general amazement.

Detailed explanation-5: -An African giraffe being led into a Ming Dynasty zoo. A giraffe brought from Africa in the twelfth year of Yongle (1414 C.E.) At each port, Zheng He demanded that the inhabitants submit to the “Son of Heaven” (tianzi, the Chinese Emperor), and rewarded those who cooperated with gifts.