To mark the 140th anniversary of the death of Jumbo, the Great African Elephant, the Jumbomania exhibit is underway at the Elgin County Heritage Centre.
That’s Jumbomania as in celebration of Jumbo, who was struck and killed by a train in St. Thomas on Sept. 15, 1885.
According to the media release, “Jumbomania explores how one extraordinary animal rose to international stardom and became a cultural icon whose name still resonates today.”
Curator Maddy Howard has teamed up with guest curator Dariusz Korbiel (both pictured below) for a colourful presentation that “takes visitors on an extraordinary journey through Jumbo’s life, from his early days at Jardin des Plantes in Paris to his time at the London Zoological Gardens, and finally to North America under the management of P.T. Barnum,” according to a media release.
On a visit to the exhibit earlier this month, we asked Howard about the impetus for the colourful presentation on the life of Jumbo.
About two years of research have gone into the project, added Korbiel.
“I was born here, and we all have an interest in it. We all have a fascination with Jumbo,” he noted.
“Well, I’m not from St. Thomas, I’m from London,” observed Howard. “So I’ve known about Jumbo my whole life as well. But I only really knew about the end of the story.
“So, to learn more about the beginning of the story. To be able to learn more about his life, the incredible legacy that he left behind, and also the incredible fan base that he had during his lifetime.
“I think is just such an incredible story to share with people. And especially for the 140th anniversary, just to celebrate that life and that legacy were really important to both Dariusz and me.”
A significant amount of material on display is courtesy of St. Thomas Coun. Steve Peters, an unabashed Jumbo junkie.
We asked Howard to try and explain the fascination and the mania that this one giant animal sparked across the world and still inspires today.
We spoke with Peters about the number of businesses that have operated in St. Thomas and Elgin with Jumbo as part of their name, including Jumbo Video, Jumbo Building Products and Jumbo Plumbing to name a few.
Even NHL Hall of Famer Joe Thornton eventually got tagged with Jumbo Joe.
Peters advised, “The origins of the name were a little bit clouded. There are references in dictionaries in the 1820s to Jumbo being referred to as something clumsy and awkward.
“But, you know, there’s even back into the 18th century, there was an Indian god, a Hindu god known as Mumbo Jumbo. And when you look at images of Mumbo Jumbo, he is this big god. So, the name has been around for a long time, but it really has stuck with Jumbo.
“One of the challenges we’re not one hundred per cent sure of is when Jumbo was given the name Jumbo. We don’t believe he was named Jumbo in the Paris Zoo, but not long after he arrived in London (England) Zoo in 1865, the name was given to him.”
Just think of the many variations of the name exist today.
Try jumbo jet, Jumbotron, jumbo shrimp and, of course, jumbo hot dog.
We asked Peters about the Jumbo monument and its authenticity.
And is there a reason for its location, some distance from the fatal accident?
An important consideration, stressed Howard, was to highlight the ongoing connection of Jumbo to St. Thomas.
Here are the exhibit details:
All the more reason to take in Jumbomania, and here are the details.
📅 Duration: July 2, 2025 – March 20, 2026
⏰ Hours: Tuesdays – Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
📍 Location: Elgin County Heritage Centre (460 Sunset Drive)
🚗 Parking: Please park behind the County Building next door, entrance off Karen St.
💵 Admission: Free
Written by Ian McCallum
