"I recieved a very distressing word from the Moa Birds in New Zealand a few months ago," said Stegosaurus. "They were very distressed, for on February 22nd there was an earthquake in their homeland. It was of 6.5 magnitude, and about 75 mammals became extinct.

Immediately my heart went out to my ornithological friends, whom I have loved to spend my vacations watching. At once I established the Stegosaurus Disaster Relief Agency, realizing that the Stegosaurus Construction Company would also be useful.

The Moa Birds were so happy to see me. Though they were distressed they appeared otherwise well. I am so glad none of them became extinct as a result of the terrible disaster.

While I was in New Zealand rebuilding I learned of the 8.9 magnitude quake in Japan, which happened on March 11th. It was such a large quake, that the exact number of mammal extinctions could only be guessed at; indeed the sight of the destruction filled me with awe and terror.

After about a month in New Zealand the Moa Birds insisted gratefully that they appreciated the reconstructive work with which I had assisted, and though they enjoyed my company if I felt inclined to travel to Japan with the Stegosaurus Disaster Relief Agency to help the Japanese I could do so.

Feeling fortunate in comparison, the Moas were all moved to compassion born of shared experience. Four of them joined me on my raft as I floated forthrightly to the Empire of the Sun. All the time I was longing for the convenience of a contiguous land mass, as I had known in my youth just out of my shell.


When we arrived in Japan, the apparent disaster was greater than could be put into words, particularly by someone with a brain the size of a walnut. The Moas and I set to work immediately, encouraged and amazed by the resilience and determination of the Japanese people.

Within a few days my friend Rhedosaurus arrived, having heard of the disaster and an extra set of claws was put to work. I had not seen Rhedosaurus since I'd taught him to waltz, and he told me that my dancing lessons were to him a great deal of help in finding a nice girl Rhedosaurus, to whom he was now married. I congratulated him, but there was little time for celebration under the circumstances. "


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