Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- Twentieth Century (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
brass. 29 x 26 x 9 cm
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Archival history
10/03/2023
Content and structure area
Scope and content
A fantastic original 1880's antique statue advertising Jumbo the Circus Elephant. Jumbo was the most famous animal in the world in the late 19th century, Jumbo lived from 1860-1885 he was born in Sudan and was Exported to the Paris Zoo and then transferred to London Zoo in 1865. Jumbo was then sold to P.T Barnum, Circus who took him to USA despite huge public protests in the Uk. Jumbo tragically died on September 15th 1885 when he was hit by a runaway train when being led to the box car carrying him. Barnum told a story that was backed up by witnesses that Jumbo pushed a smaller Elephant Tom Thumb out of the way of the train that killed jumbo. After Jumbo's death his hide was mounted for taxidermy which travelled with Barnums circus for 2 years. The Legend of Jumbo lives on even after 140 years.
