Jumbo Online

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.

Train conductor William Burnip saw the elephants too late. He slammed the brakes, but the 40-ton locomotive couldn't stop. It slammed into Jumbo at full speed. He became the star attraction of the Victorian era

Suddenly, a massive freight train called the "Grand Trunk Express" came roaring out of the dark. He even had his own personal ticket booth

He had Jumbo's hide stuffed and mounted. He had the skeleton preserved. For years, the "Ghost of Jumbo" toured with the circus as a double-feature attraction. Train conductor William Burnip saw the elephants too late

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.