The fight for the survival of an entire species was first brought to my attention a few years ago. This is the story of a beautiful, docile, and once-endangered creature: the Velvet.

Over five hundred years ago, Mediterranean explorers, in search of the spices and riches of the Far East, scoured the seas for a shorter route around the globe. In the early hours of October 10, 1492, at approximately 2:00 AM, land was spotted by Juan Rodriguez Bermejo. However, it wasn’t until October 29 that Christopher Columbus anchored near what he believed to be the coast of Asia. That illusion was swiftly shattered when the morning sun illuminated the landscape.

Flashes of color scurried across the hills in an explosion of movement—creatures unlike anything the explorers had ever seen. It was the first recorded sighting of Velvets by Europeans.

These gentle beings gathered atop rocky formations, stretching their delicate bodies and unwrinkling their luxuriously soft fur in the sunlight. As the combined crews of the Niña, the Santa María, and the Pinta set foot onshore, they were immediately overwhelmed by the affectionate creatures. In every conceivable color, Velvets brushed against their legs, unafraid and curious. The sailors quickly learned that these creatures were not only friendly but also incredibly useful. By following them, they discovered fresh water, edible vegetation, and safe passage through the unfamiliar terrain.

However, as winter set in—a bitter and unfamiliar winter—the settlers turned to the Velvets for more than just companionship. Their plush coats provided warmth, and before long, Velvet pelts became the primary export of the developing colonies.

From Companion to Commodity

As the Industrial Revolution dawned, the demand for Velvets surged. Their fur, prized for its softness, became a staple in high society. But it was not just their pelts that drew attention—their natural oils proved to be an exceptional lubricant for machinery. For years, the Velvet population managed to survive by retreating westward, away from expanding settlements. That changed in 1888.

That year, industrialist George Ferris unveiled his first Mass-Velvet Processor—a monstrous wheel that turned endlessly, crushing Velvets beneath its weight to yield soft, unblemished pelts. As the creatures squealed in protest, their oil seeped into the gears, naturally lubricating the machine, allowing it to operate with chilling efficiency.

In 1892, the Chicago World’s Fair Building Commission approached Ferris with a challenge: they wanted something that would rival even the majesty of the Eiffel Tower. His solution was simple yet revolutionary.

“Put seats on it.”

The following year, at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, the Ferris Wheel was unveiled—its massive rotating structure powered by the only lubricant Ferris deemed suitable: Velvet Oil. The invention became an overnight sensation. Riders not only marveled at the breathtaking views but also took perverse pleasure in the telltale squeals of Velvets fueling the ride. It even became fashionable to purchase a Velvet foot as a souvenir for one’s lady after a spin on the wheel.

With demand at an all-time high, the Velvet was being harvested at an alarming rate—23,000 per day. Prices dropped, and for the first time, Velvet garments were no longer a luxury reserved for the elite. The common people, too, could now afford to wrap themselves in the softness of Velvet fur.

The Edge of Extinction

It wasn’t until the “free-spirited ‘70s” that the Velvet population truly plummeted. The era brought a cultural explosion of Velvet Elvis paintings, reversible slacks, butterfly-collar disco wear, and luxurious smoking jackets. With fashion trends at their peak, the Velvets were facing a grim fate.

By 1979, the tides began to shift. Elvis was dead. The Ferris Wheel touring carnivals were being replaced by high-speed roller coasters. Reversible velvet-lined jackets fell out of fashion, giving way to cotton fibers and synthetic materials. The world’s Velvet population had dwindled to just under 4,000, with 2,437 placed under protective captivity by the Canadian government.

A Miraculous Recovery

Today, against all odds, the Velvets are making an incredible comeback. With conservation efforts in place, their world population is estimated at nearly 435,000. Ferris Wheels, once fueled by destruction, are now properly lubricated with synthetic alternatives. Velvet garments are produced at a carefully controlled rate.

The days of Ferris Wheels squeaking with the cries of crushed Velvets are largely forgotten. But next time you take a ride on one, listen closely to the creak of the gears.

And remember the Velvets—for everything they once gave us.