I remember from reading about the Lewis and Clark Expedition that they brought back plant and animal specimens. They tried to bring back some small animals and birds live; just two survived the trip- a prairie dog and a magpie.
I was reminded by this conservation story about the blacktailed prairie dog. Once the prairie dogs were abundant and widespread, but now only small patches of habitat are left. Again, from the Santa Fe New Mexican.
http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/65922.html
Prairie Dog