Jumbo the Elephant, Fiberglass sculpture in St. Thomas, Canada
Jumbo the Elephant is a fiberglass sculpture depicting the famous circus performer, created by artist Winston Bronnum. The work shows the animal's massive body in realistic proportions and colors, standing as a public monument in town.
The original animal was a circus star who lost his life in a train collision in this town in 1885. The sculpture was later erected to preserve this pivotal event and the connection between St. Thomas and railway history.
The sculpture connects St. Thomas to the circus world of the 19th century, when the town was a major railway hub. Visitors can sense here the historical bond between the place and the entertainment culture that shaped community life at that time.
The monument is accessible year-round and sits in a public location in town. Informational plaques at the site tell the story of the famous animal and explain its significance to the region.
The word 'jumbo' entered English through this animal and has meant simply 'very large' ever since. This linguistic influence shows how deeply the elephant's figure was rooted in popular culture.
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