Episode 1606
Topic: Josephine the Short-Neck Giraffe
Air Date: May 1, 1989
Previous Episode: 1605 - Fun & Games
Next Episode: Episode - Josephine the Short-Neck Giraffe
Purchase/Stream: Amazon
Mister Rogers arrives with a basket containing model toys of a giraffe, an elephant, and a tiger. Mr. McFeely stops by to join Mister Rogers on a visit to the Neighborhood Wild Animal Park.
At the park, Mister Rogers and Mr. McFeely look at birds and tigers while Mister Rogers uses his camera to take several pictures of animals and people. When Mr. McFeely has to leave, Mister Rogers is introduced to Dr. Joan Embery who continues by showing and talking about more animals including a giraffe. Mister Rogers even gets the opportunity to see the giraffes up close.
In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Queen Sara compliments Chef Brockett on a vegetable tray he has made and mentions her friend Princess Zelda who enjoys making plays. Chef Brockett learns that Princess Zelda would like him to play the part of bulldog in her newest production. Lady Aberlin mentions that Princess Zelda is also looking for someone to play the part of a giraffe with a short neck -- a part Chef Brockett feels would be perfect for Lady Aberlin.
Lady Aberlin visits the clock and learns that Daniel has been reading a lot about tigers. He is somewhat insecure about the fact that he is timid -- unlike most tigers. Lady Aberlin reassures Daniel by complimenting him for being an "advanced breed" and sings I'm Glad You're the Way You Are (a modified version of I'm Glad I'm the Way I Am).
Back at the house, Mister Rogers concludes by singing this same song.
Notes
In interviews with Fred Rogers and those who knew him, it has been mentioned that Fred loved to take pictures. He would often take pictures of people he had just met in order to remember them later -- much like he does several times in this episode.
The Neighborhood Wild Animal Park is actually a section of the San Diego Zoo.
This episode is included on the DVD collection Mister Rogers Meets New Friends.
Appearing In This Episode
Guests
- Dr. Joan Embery
- Joel Edelstein
Songs
Images
Episode Credits
With Fred Rogers
Neighbors: Betty Aberlin, Don Brockett, Joel Edelstein, Joan Embery, David Newell
Special thanks to San Diego Wild Animal Park
Executive Producer: Fred Rogers
Producer: Margaret Whitmer
Director: Paul Lally
Associate Producer: Adrienne Wehr
Music Director: John Costa
Produced in association with WQED/Pittsburgh
A production of Family Communications
©1989 Family Communications, Inc.