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Jumbo the elephant stuffed
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Jumbo the elephant stuffed
Jumbos mannikin and the end result: celebrated elephant Jumbo is stuffed for posterity and continues touring with American showman P.T Barnum even in death. Date: 1886
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Media ID 23043310
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Dead Dec17 Elephant Jumbo Stuffed Taxidermy Mannikin
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this poignant and intriguing photograph from 1886, the famous elephant Jumbo is seen in his final form as a taxidermy mannikin. Jumbo, who was once a living, breathing, and beloved creature, is now a static display, a testament to the passing of time and the human desire to preserve memories. Jumbo, the largest elephant in the world at the time, was a star attraction during his life, traveling with American showman P.T. Barnum as part of his circus. Barnum had acquired Jumbo in 1882 from the London Zoo, and the elephant quickly became a sensation in the United States, drawing crowds wherever he went. But in December 1885, tragedy struck when Jumbo was accidentally killed by a locomotive train during a railroad exhibition in Toronto, Canada. Barnum, who had grown deeply attached to the elephant, was devastated by the loss. Determined to keep Jumbo's memory alive, Barnum commissioned a taxidermist to prepare the elephant's body for display. The resulting mannikin was meticulously crafted, with every detail carefully attended to. The elephant's massive size was preserved, and his lifelike features captured the essence of the beloved creature. In the photograph, Jumbo's taxidermy mannikin is seen standing in a stable, surrounded by hay bales and other props. His eyes are glass beads, but his expression is one of calm serenity. Despite being dead, Jumbo continues to tour with Barnum, bringing joy and wonder to audiences across the country. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the human fascination with preserving memories, even in the most unexpected ways. Jumbo's story is a testament to the enduring power of nostalgia and the lengths to which we will go to keep the memories of those we love alive.
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