“Extremely large” describes the impact of one particular elephant. The word “jumbo” entered our vocabulary because of an African bull elephant at London Zoo. Today we are at Elephant Park.
London Zoo has a rich history. It officially opened in 1828. The Zoological Society of London founded it. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles was the mastermind. He also founded Singapore.
Initially, only fellows could visit for scientific study. The zoo opened to the public in 1847. This helped with funding.
Let’s talk about Jumbo. He arrived at London Zoo in 1865. Jumbo became synonymous with elephants. The word describes large objects. He grew to 11 feet tall. Visitors flocked to see him.
Jumbo’s keepers noticed changes as he matured. Male elephants can become troublesome. In 1880, Jumbo began acting out. He damaged his elephant house. Keepers reinforced the structure with timber. They feared he would escape and harm visitors.
Sadly, Jumbo’s story doesn’t have a happy ending. In 1882, he was sold to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. He traveled to America. Jumbo died after a collision with a locomotive in Canada.
Another famous resident was Winnie. She was a female black bear. Winnie lived at London Zoo from 1914 to 1934. A Canadian regiment brought her. The regiment was on its way to France. Winnie inspired the Winnie-the-Pooh stories. Author A.A. Milne changed his character’s name. He was inspired by visiting Winnie with his son.
The zoo housed other interesting animals. Charles Darwin studied Jenny the orangutan. This happened in March 1838. It was Darwin’s first time seeing an ape. He described Jenny’s behavior in a letter. She threw herself on her back. She kicked and cried like a child.
London Zoo achieved a breeding first in 2014. It successfully bred the Lake Oku clawed frog. This critically endangered species is only found in Cameroon.
The giraffe house is the oldest zoo building. It is still used for its original purpose. The old Casson elephant house has an interesting roof. It shows elephants drinking. Sir Hugh Casson designed it. It opened in 1965.
An older elephant connection exists too. St. James Park menagerie housed an elephant in 1623. King James I owned it. That elephant reportedly drank a gallon of wine daily.
London Zoo stopped keeping elephants in 2001. After an accident involving an elephant keeper, all elephants were moved to Whipsnade Zoo. The zoo continues its conservation work. It still inspires visitors. It connects people with nature.