Jumbo: The Enduring Legacy of Tufts University's Mascot
Tufts University boasts a unique and historic mascot: Jumbo the Elephant. More than just a symbol, Jumbo represents "pride" and "family" for the Tufts community. This article explores the extraordinary story of Jumbo, from his life as a celebrated circus attraction to his enduring presence on the Tufts campus.
From Sudan to London Zoo
Jumbo was a male African bush elephant born around December 25, 1860, in Sudan. After poachers killed his mother, he was captured and sold to an animal collector. His journey took him to the Jardin des Plantes in Paris before he was moved to the London Zoo in 1865. At the London Zoo, Jumbo flourished, becoming a favorite among visitors and growing to an impressive size. His shoulder height was estimated to be 3.23 meters (10 ft 7 in) at the time of his death
Jumbo's Acquisition by P.T. Barnum
In 1882, P.T. Barnum, a Tufts trustee and benefactor, purchased Jumbo for $10,000 from the Royal Zoological Society in London. This acquisition caused public outcry in England, as Jumbo was a beloved figure. Nevertheless, Barnum brought Jumbo to America, where he became the star attraction of Barnum's circus. Jumbo was the first African elephant in the United States, and his name, derived from a Swahili word meaning "large," entered common usage, giving rise to terms like "jumbo jet" and "jumbotron."
The Tragic Death of a Star
Jumbo's life was cut short on September 15, 1885, when he was struck by an oncoming train in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. The circus was traveling by train, and Jumbo was being led across the train yard with a dwarf elephant named Tom Thumb when the accident occurred.
A popular legend, propagated by Barnum, claims that Jumbo sacrificed himself to save Tom Thumb from the train. However, eyewitness accounts suggest that Jumbo was attempting to flee the train when he was struck. Despite the conflicting stories, the tale of Jumbo's bravery has become an integral part of his legacy.
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Jumbo's Enduring Presence at Tufts University
After Jumbo's death, Barnum had the elephant's skeleton and hide preserved. The skeleton was donated to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, while the stuffed hide was given to Tufts University in 1889. Barnum hoped that the stuffed Jumbo would bring positive publicity to the college.
Jumbo was displayed in the Barnum Museum of Natural History, named in honor of its benefactor. Students would tug on his tail or place pennies in his trunk for good luck before exams and games. This tradition led to the tail being replaced in 1942 due to wear and tear.
In 1975, a fire destroyed the Barnum Museum, and Jumbo was lost in the blaze. However, a staff member from the Athletics Department managed to salvage some of Jumbo's ashes, which are now kept in a peanut butter jar in the athletic director's office. This jar is used in a ceremonial "passing of the ashes" when a new athletic director takes office.
Jumbo as a Symbol of Tufts
Jumbo quickly became the unofficial mascot of Tufts University after his arrival on campus. While the university was without a mascot before then. It wasn't until much later that Jumbo was officially recognized as the mascot, thanks to the efforts of former Athletic Director Rocky Carzo.
Today, Jumbo represents Tufts' spirit and traditions. The university embraces its unique mascot through various campus events and organizations. The Tufts University Social Collective (TUSC) is affectionately referred to as "tusk." The alumni network is known as "The Herd." Even the name of the mixed-gender Jewish a cappella group, Shir Appeal, includes a pun on a Hebrew phrase meaning "song of the elephant."
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The Jumbo Statue
In 2015, a life-sized bronze statue of Jumbo was unveiled in front of Barnum Hall. The statue, created by sculptor Steven Whyte, stands 11 feet tall and 18 feet long, weighing 5,000 pounds. It was commissioned through the generosity of Richard W. Reynolds, A67, a former vice president of operations at Tufts.
The statue serves as a prominent symbol of Tufts and a popular photo opportunity for students, alumni, and visitors. It stands in Jumbo's Garden, made possible through the generosity of M. Richard (Dick) Asher, A53, and Sheila S. Asher.
Jumbo's Cultural Impact
Jumbo's influence extends beyond the Tufts campus. The elephant's fame in the late 19th century intersected with the rise of mass entertainment, museums, advertising, and the concept of celebrity. He is responsible for introducing the word "jumbo" into the English language, and his story has inspired books, documentaries, and even the classic Disney film "Dumbo."
Campus Traditions
Tufts University has a number of traditions that have been created over the past 160 years.
- "The Cannon": A replica of a cannon found aboard the USS Constitution, presented to the school by the city of Medford in 1956. Students paint the cannon at night for various causes and commemorations, a tradition that began in 1977.
- Tuftonia’s Day: An annual celebration of Tufts’ birthday that marks the end of the spring semester.
- Candle Lighting Ceremony: Every incoming first-year student lights a candle on the President’s Lawn for their first night on campus to honor Charles Tufts.
- Spring Fling: A concert held on the Academic Quad immediately before final exams since 1980.
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