34: Welcome to New York pt.1: The Elephant in the Room
Jan 3, 2024
auto_awesome
Learn about the origin of the word 'JUMBO' and the fascinating journey of Jumbo the Elephant from East Africa to New York. Discover his cultural impact and how he influenced the creation of elephant-shaped buildings. Hear the hosts share embarrassing experiences and funny anecdotes, as well as their thoughts on women's hidden lives and popular Christmas songs.
Jumbo the Elephant's journey from Africa to New York highlights the mistreatment of animals in the entertainment industry.
Jumbo's fame led to the creation of iconic structures like Lucy the Elephant and Elephantine Colossus.
Despite the hardships and tragic ending, Jumbo's story emphasizes the vulnerability and challenges faced by wild animals in captivity.
Deep dives
Jumbo the Elephant's journey from Africa to Europe
Jumbo the Elephant, born in Sudan, is captured by poachers and sold to various owners. He is eventually acquired by the London Zoological Society and becomes a popular attraction in the London Zoo. Due to his treatment and living conditions, Jumbo experiences periods of aggression and ill temper. In 1882, he is sold to P.T. Barnum and transported to the United States.
Jumbo's popularity and cultural impact
In London, Jumbo becomes a beloved figure, attracting the attention of Queen Victoria and thousands of school children. However, in New York, Jumbo continues to be a major draw, generating significant revenue for the circus. Madison Square Garden, where Jumbo is exhibited, becomes a popular destination. Despite his treatment and his eventual death, Jumbo's legacy continues with the word 'Jumbo' becoming synonymous with large size.
Challenges and mistreatment of Jumbo
Throughout his life, Jumbo experiences mistreatment and poor living conditions. His travels from Africa to Europe expose him to hardship and trauma. In captivity, he faces toothaches and dental problems, leading to aggressive behavior. Despite attempts to improve his well-being, Jumbo remains a captive animal subject to the exploitation of the circus industry.
Jumbo's final years and cultural significance
After being sold to P.T. Barnum, Jumbo is exhibited in the United States. He remains a popular attraction, contributing to the success of the circus. Jumbo's fame and cultural impact are reflected in the use of his name as a descriptor for large objects. However, his story also highlights the mistreatment of animals in the entertainment industry.
Jumbo's Impact on American Culture
Jumbo, the famous elephant, had a huge impact on American culture. Buildings inspired by Jumbo were constructed, including Lucy the Elephant, a six-story structure in New Jersey, and Elephantine Colossus, a giant elephant-shaped building on Coney Island. Elephantine Colossus even welcomed waves of immigrants before the Statue of Liberty was erected. Jumbo's legacy also extended to popular culture, with the animated film Dumbo being inspired by his story. Despite being fictional, many people speculated that Jumbo was the little character's father. Jumbo's influence can also be seen in museums, universities, and historical archives, where his skeleton, heart, hide, and tail were preserved.
The Tragic Life and Death of Jumbo
Jumbo, the elephant, had a tragic life filled with hardships and a premature death. Born in Africa, he faced the loss of his mother and survived dangerous journeys and international travels. Despite gaining fame and popularity, Jumbo was ultimately hit by a train and killed in Ontario, Canada. His death was likely due to internal bleeding, and the impact of the collision actually derailed the train. While Jumbo's remains were preserved and his legacy lived on, his story highlights the vulnerability and challenges faced by wild animals in captivity.
Grant takes us back to the Gilded Age with the origin story of the word "JUMBO". A tale at times hilarious and heartbreaking. Our story starts in East Africa and winds its way through Europe before arriving in New York. Buckle up for this story, it can feel like a real circus.
In this episode Grant and Maia cover Jumbo the Elephant, possibly one of the inspirations for the movie "Dumbo" (or maybe Dumbo's father?). Listen in to hear about this iconic circus elephant and his relationship to travel and P.T. Barnum.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode