Jumbo

Jumbo and Matthew Scott giving a ride to children about the Zoo

Jumbo refuses to leave London Zoo

Jumbo's Journey to the Docks

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Interior view of Barnum Museum with Jumbo

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Jumbo the elephant - 3b52419u

Jumbo (about Christmas 1860 – September 15, 1885) was a Sudanese-born African elephant who became famous in the 19th century after being transported to Europe and later to North America. He was initially kept at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris before being transferred to the London Zoo in 1865. Jumbo's name, possibly derived from the Swahili word jambo (hello) or jumbe (chief), became synonymous with anything of large size, giving rise to the common adjective "jumbo-sized."

Early Life

Jumbo was captured in the Sudan region of Africa as a young calf by Arab traders after his mother was killed. He was sold and transported to a zoo in Paris and later moved to the London Zoo in 1865. At the London Zoo, Jumbo became a favorite attraction, admired by visitors for his size and gentle nature. He was especially popular with children, who, for a penny, could ride on his back.

Life in North America

In 1882, P.T. Barnum, a showman of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, purchased Jumbo for $10,000. Despite public outcry and a lawsuit to keep Jumbo in the UK, he was transported to the United States, where he became a major attraction in Barnum's circus. Jumbo's move to the U.S. was a significant event, marked by widespread media coverage and public interest.

Death and Legacy

Jumbo died in a railway accident in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, on September 15, 1885. His death was widely mourned. After his death, Barnum had Jumbo's hide stuffed and continued to exhibit it. Jumbo's skeleton was donated to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, where it was displayed for many years.

Jumbo's story has had a lasting impact on popular culture. His name is still used to describe anything large, and he has been the subject of books, documentaries, and other media. Jumbo is remembered as one of the most famous elephants who ever lived and remains a symbol of the era of grand American and European circuses.

In Popular Culture

Jumbo's life has inspired various works of fiction and non-fiction, highlighting his significance in cultural history. His story reflects the fascination with exotic animals during the 19th century and the beginnings of animal conservation and welfare movements.