Jumbo Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Jumbo Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Jumbo Day is observed on April 9th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Jumbo Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you should know about Jumbo Day.

📅 What day is Jumbo Day 2024?

In 2024, Jumbo Day is on Sunday, April 9th. It is the 2nd Sunday in April; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all intriguing details and facts about April 9, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Jumbo Day is celebrated annually on April 9th to honor the life of Jumbo the Elephant. Jumbo was a male African elephant from Sudan who lived in the 19th century. He was first sent to a zoo in Paris and then to the London Zoo in England. Later, an American businessman and showman brought him to the United States. Jumbo sadly passed away on September 15, 1885. The name “jumbo” became popular due to his enormous size and has since become a part of popular culture.

📜 Jumbo Day History

Jumbo, a famous elephant, was first sent to the Jardin des Plantes zoo in Paris and later to the London Zoo. Due to his enormous size, he became a beloved attraction, with even Queen Victoria riding on his back. Jumbo’s caretaker, Matthew Scott, wrote a book about their time together. Despite growing up, Jumbo would often break his tusks by hitting them against his enclosure. In 1882, Abraham Bartlett, the superintendent of the London Zoo, caused controversy by planning to sell Jumbo to an American businessman for a large sum of money. This decision was influenced by Jumbo’s increasing aggression and ability to cause trouble. The sale caused outrage among the people of London and even led to a petition from 100,000 students to Queen Victoria to prevent the sale. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, and Jumbo was eventually sold to P.T. Barnum, a famous American showman. Jumbo passed away on September 15, 1885, with differing estimates of his height at the time.

✅ Jumbo Day Facts

🔖 First African animal to reach modern Europe
Jumbo, who was brought to Europe at a young age, holds the distinction of being the first African animal to set foot in modern-day Europe.

🔖 Jumbo usually threw tantrums
Jumbo frequently experienced temper tantrums, which were ultimately caused by the development of his brain’s expanding glands and the eruption of his teeth.

🔖 First celebrity animal in the world
Jumbo, the very first animal to gain worldwide recognition, was in high demand as everyone sought to have a part of him (metaphorically).

👍 Why Is Jumbo Day Important

Let’s be honest: thinking about Jumbo the Elephant makes you want to watch Animal Planet. This is a great learning opportunity, especially for kids.

While circuses are no longer popular, Jumbo Day is a throwback to a simpler time. We get a glimpse of a time when Western culture was concentrated on itinerant circuses.

Jumbo is a pivotal person in contemporary history, whose significance cannot be overestimated. He was a national and international treasure.

🙂 How To Observe Jumbo Day

⚡ Share on social media

⚡ Watch a documentary on Jumbo
Since you were not around when Jumbo the Elephant existed, watching a documentary about him would be a meaningful way to celebrate the event. You can invite your family and friends to join you in discovering the story of Jumbo’s life.

⚡ Visit the Jumbo the Elephant monument
Don’t forget to use the #JumboDay hashtag on social media to express how you celebrate Jumbo Day. Tag your friends and educate your followers on Jumbo the Elephant’s life.

📅 When is Jumbo Day?

See all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Fun and other 🔗 American holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Jumbo Day. So be sure to check back soon.