American Museum of Natural History Research Library
author: American Museum of Natural History

Raffles, World's Most Famous Talking Bird (Exhibition)
birth: 1951 August 16
death: unknown
Exhibition. Opened August 16, 1951. Located in the Grand Gallery at the American Museum of Natural History. "Raffles, World's Most Famous Talking Bird" featured the mount of the Mynah bird known at Raffles.
Summary
"Raffles, World's Most Famous Talking Bird" featured the mount of the Mynah bird known at Raffles. During his lifetime, Raffles displayed talents that brought him international fame and was awarded the Lavender Heart for entertaining the wounded in veterans' hospitals and was guest soloist with the San Francisco Orchestra. Raffles died when he caught cold while performing at a veteran's hospital. He was presented to the Museum by explorers and authors Zetta and Carveth Wells, who found the bird in the Malayan jungle. Raffles was on view in the 77th Street Foyer of the American Museum of Natural History on August 16, 1951 after which he was installed in the Museum's permanent bird collection.
Individuals and institutions involved in the creation of the exhibition: John T. Zimmer, AMNH Curator of Birds.