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Jumbo the large African elephant sold by London Zoo in 1882 to the American showman
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Jumbo the large African elephant sold by London Zoo in 1882 to the American showman
Jumbo the large African elephant sold by London Zoo in 1882 to the American showman Phineas Taylor Barnum (1810-1891) for his circus which became known as the Greatest Show on Earth. Jumbo in his crate being taken down the Thames and put on board Assyrian Monarch. From Le Voleur (Paris, 1882). Wood engraving
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Media ID 9765101
© Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group
1882 African American Assyrian Barnum Board Captivity Circus Crate Down Earth Elephant Exhibition Exploitation Greatest Large Mammal Monarch Paris Show Sold Taylor Thames Voleur Wood 1810 1891 Jumbo Phineas Showman
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the historic moment when Jumbo, the magnificent African elephant, embarked on a journey from London Zoo to his new life in America. In 1882, this colossal mammal was sold by London Zoo to the renowned American showman Phineas Taylor Barnum, who transformed him into one of the star attractions of his legendary circus known as the Greatest Show on Earth. The image showcases Jumbo's departure down the majestic Thames River, enclosed within a sturdy crate before being loaded onto the Assyrian Monarch ship. The wood engraving beautifully portrays this significant event that marked Jumbo's transition from captivity to exhibition. Jumbo's sale and subsequent exploitation sparked both fascination and controversy during that era. While some celebrated his grandeur and marveled at his presence in circuses worldwide, others questioned the ethics behind such practices. Le Voleur (Paris) immortalized this pivotal moment through their detailed engraving. This historical artifact not only documents an extraordinary chapter in animal-human interaction but also serves as a reminder of our evolving attitudes towards wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Though it is essential to acknowledge past exploitations for entertainment purposes, we can appreciate this photograph for its cultural significance without endorsing or promoting any commercial use associated with it.
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