Jumbo the Elephant’s Impact Explored in New Exhibit

Once hailed as the most famous elephant globally, Jumbo the elephant’s story continues to resonate even more than a century after his passing.

The new Jumbomania exhibit at the Elgin County Heritage Centre in St. Thomas, Ont., takes a closer look at Jumbo’s life, how he became an enduring global icon, and the intriguing events surrounding his death 140 years ago.

“Even after his death, he continued to be a celebrity, so the exhibit is not just about Jumbo’s life but also to celebrate his legacy,” Madeleine Howard, the museum’s curator, told CBC Radio’s Afternoon Drive.

“Even if people don’t necessarily know Jumbo the great African elephant, they still know his name, so that’s what our exhibit is highlighting – he’s everywhere and he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.”

Jumbo was once known as the most famous elephant in the world. This exhibit explores the elephant’s life, legacy and mysterious circumstances leading to his death 140 years ago. (Submitted by Elgin Country Heritage Centre)

Jumbo gained fame for his impressive size and became a highlight of “The Greatest Show on Earth,” which was run by showman and Connecticut politician P. T. Barnum. The circus reportedly attracted record crowds during its time.

Jumbo’s early days and rise to stardom

His life came to a tragic end when he was hit by a train during a Canadian stop in St. Thomas in 1885, but it all started in Africa where he lived before being captured and sold to London’s British Zoo in the 1860s.

“He was unfortunately a victim of the exotic animal trade that was happening during that time period and transported throughout Europe. He wasn’t doing too well and the zookeepers kind of neglected him,” said guest exhibition curator Dariusz Korbiel.

Afternoon Drive6:41New exhibit on in St. Thomas highlights the world’s most famous elephant

About 140 years after his mysterious death, the story of Jumbo the elephant lives on in a new exhibit at the Elgin County Heritage Centre in St. Thomas. It’s called Jumbomania, and curators Madeleine Howard and Dariusz Korbiel explain more.

While at the zoo, Jumbo gave rides to countless children who visited him until everything changed when Barnum purchased him in 1882.

That sale kicked off what became known as Jumbomania. The elephant quickly garnered attention as his name appeared on ads, newspapers, postcards, cigar boxes, shoelaces, and other items; spectators felt a special connection with him according to Howard.

“He was also so gentle and careful with all the people around him-the children and anybody who was riding on his back-and I think people could see how unique and special he was,” she said.

When Jumbo rose to fame his name and photo began appearing on s, newspapers, postcards, cigar boxes and other memorabilia. (Submitted by Elgin County Heritage Centre)

The exhibit showcases unique memorabilia along with original photographs and articles from that era. It also explores various theories surrounding what led up to Jumbo’s death while questioning if he really was indeed one of history’s largest elephants.

After passing away, Jumbo’s skin was preserved while his skeleton was displayed so he could tour alongside Barnum as two jumbos together; according to Howard Barnum had stretched out Jumbo’s hide making him appear taller than he actually was while never showing it together with its skeleton.

Jumbo has become an important part of today’s St. Thomas community which features an enormous statue built for him back in 1985 for what would have been his 100th death anniversary.

The team behind this exhibit found many surprising facts about Jumbo that they can’t wait to share with visitors.

. After Jumbo’s death he continued to be a celebrity says curator Madeleine Howard who is looking forward to sharing less-known jumbo facts with public in exhibits. (Submitted by Elgin County Heritage Centre)

“One of my favorite pieces is a circus supplement by P. T. Barnum advertising Jumbo’s last performance on September 15th 1885-one of the final times visitors saw him before touring again as double jumbo,” said Howard.

“I would do some digging then hours later I’d find myself discovering brand-new photos I’ve never seen before-it’s breathtaking! The best part? I get to share those discoveries with everyone,” Korbiel added.

The exhibit will be open until March 2026.

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