Ziggy, a male Indian elephant, lived at Brookfield Zoo outside Chicago from 1936 to 1975. Born in Asia around 1917, Ziggy was known for his mischievous behavior and was sold to various circuses before ending up at Brookfield Zoo, where he became a popular attraction. However, his life at the zoo was marked by confinement and a tragic attack on his keeper, leading to a campaign for his freedom.
Early Life and Incidents
Ziggy was originally purchased as a birthday gift for Florenz Ziegfeld’s six-year-old daughter. However, the elephant was soon sold back to Ringling Bros. Circus after trampling through the Ziegfelds’ greenhouse. Ziggy then found himself at Singer’s Midget Circus, where he learned to dance, smoke, and play a harmonica.
During a 1936 appearance in San Diego, Ziggy reportedly tossed a trombone player 30 feet in the air and fled. This incident led to his sale to Brookfield Zoo, where he became a popular attraction.
Confinement and Attack on Keeper
On April 26, 1941, Ziggy attacked and nearly killed his keeper, George “Slim” Lewis. Lewis was able to escape by punching Ziggy in the eye and jumping into the enclosure’s moat. As a result, Ziggy was chained to the wall of an indoor enclosure for nearly three decades.
Campaign for Freedom
In the late 1960s, a campaign led by schoolchildren and animal enthusiasts sought to free Ziggy from his confinement. The campaign, sparked by a Tribune article, generated $15,000 in donations for a new outdoor enclosure.
New Outdoor Facility and Death
On September 23, 1970, Ziggy was briefly allowed to go outside, marking the beginning of his journey towards freedom. The zoo completed a new outdoor facility specifically designed for Ziggy in the summer of 1971, and he entered his new home on August 28, 1971, in front of over 1,000 cheering people.
However, Ziggy’s freedom was short-lived. In March 1975, he severely injured himself after falling into an eight-foot moat while trying to reach a female elephant. He died on October 27, 1975, at the age of 57-58.
Key Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12,000 pounds (5,400 kg) |
| Height | Over 10 feet tall |
| Born | c. 1917 |
| Died | October 27, 1975 (aged 57-58) |
| Cause of death | Old age |
| Resting place | Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
Legacy
Ziggy’s story highlights the importance of animal welfare and the impact of public awareness campaigns. His remains are currently housed at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, serving as a reminder of the challenges faced by captive elephants and the efforts made to improve their lives.