Joseph Menges , wildlife animal trader in Germany Born 1850-10-07 in Germany dead 1910-01-04 in Germany . Josef Menges was a German explorer of Africa, and a son of Joseph Menges and his wife Maria Josepha Diefenbach. His father was the last Thurn und Taxis post keeper in Limburg ad Lahn, who was actively involved in local politics and was elected mayor in 1877. Josef Menges traveled to Europe, America, Africa, Ceylon and India, spoke not only the world languages English, French and Italian, but also many African dialects. To finance his Research trips to Northeast Africa, he published numerous travel and Research reports. Later he dedicated himself to the animal trade and supplied the European zoos with exotic animals. In order to provide financial support for his expeditions, Josef Menges joined the Hamburg animal dealer Carl Hagenbeck Jr. as early as 1876, providing him with information on the animal populations sighted, the possibilities of catching and successful transport to the coast and Europe. Menges was Hagenbecks best man on his wedding, and was described by Carl Hagenbecks son Lorenz Hagenbeck, as Carl Hagenbecks best friend. He would not only be be an expert in animal capture for Firma Hagenbeck, but would also lead the Hagenbecks Zoo, when Carl Hagenbeck Jr. left Germany for business abroad. Exhibition. Our zoo at home was left in the charge of Joseph Menges.Lorenz Hagenbeck
Exhibition. Our zoo at home was left in the charge of Joseph Menges.
