Jumbo the elephant arrives at London Zoo

Background. London Zoo, known as the world's oldest scientific zoo, opened in 1828 for scientific study. Jumbo was a male African bush elephant born in Sudan in December 1860. Before his arrival in London, he was exported to the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. The zoo had previously received animals from the Tower of London menagerie in 1831, establishing its collection prior to Jumbo's transfer.

Arrival at London Zoo. In 1865, Jumbo was transferred from Paris to London Zoo, arriving on 26 June. He was described as the largest elephant known at the time. His shoulder height was estimated at 3.23 metres at death, though Barnum later claimed it was about 4 metres. Jumbo was still growing when he arrived, consistent with African male elephants of his age.

Public Reception. Jumbo became a popular attraction at London Zoo. His presence was significant enough that later controversies regarding his sale sparked national debate, with Londoners viewing the transaction as an enormous loss for the British empire.