Jumbo

For three years, Jumbo was the king of the circus. He traveled across America, performing for millions. On September 15, 1885, Jumbo’s story came to a screeching halt.

He was the original Jumbo. And there will never be another one. For three years, Jumbo was the king of the circus

Suddenly, a massive freight train called the "Grand Trunk Express" came roaring out of the dark. He was the original Jumbo

Standing at the shoulder and weighing over 6.5 tons , Jumbo was the largest elephant ever seen in captivity. He wasn't just big; he was Jumbo . Standing at the shoulder and weighing over 6

But the sale went through. Barnum knew exactly what he had. He told reporters, "The Jumbo fever is on. I shall make a million dollars off him."

He became the star attraction of the Victorian era. Charles Darwin visited him. Queen Victoria’s children rode him. He even had his own personal ticket booth. In 1882, Jumbo was the most famous animal on the planet. But the London Zoo made a decision that would break the public’s heart: they sold him.

When the British public found out, they went berserk. Letters poured into newspapers. Lawyers filed an injunction to stop the sale. Children wrote pleading notes to the Queen. "Don't let them take Jumbo away!" was the cry of London.