U.S. Animal Quarantine Station, historic building complex in Clifton, New Jersey
The U.S. Animal Quarantine Station is a large building complex in Clifton, New Jersey, serving as a national facility for checking animals from abroad. The site contains several brick structures with practical design, including barn buildings with large windows and open spaces built to safely house animals.
The station was established around 1900 and was the only quarantine facility on the east coast for imported animals. It closed in 1975 after operations were moved to a different location in New York, ending a century of animal and disease control work.
The station's name reflects its role as a control point for imported animals. The buildings were shaped by workers who daily examined and cared for exotic animals arriving from distant lands.
The site is easily accessible by car with parking nearby. Visitors can explore the grounds and see the historic buildings, some of which now house an arts center and other community facilities.
In 1938, two young giraffes were housed here during their journey from Africa after their ship experienced a hurricane. The story of these giraffes was reported across the nation and remains a known part of the station's history today.
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