Sunday, December 22, 2013

How America worshipped — and tortured — the elephant

This photo was taken Sept. 13, 1916,
shortly after Mary was hanged in Erwin, Tenn.
How America worshipped — and tortured — the elephant | New York Post

(Excerpt)
"Topsy was marquee attraction to Coney Island’s Luna Park at the turn of the century. But her star power turned into notoriety in 1903, when, after being jabbed with a pitchfork, Topsy lashed out at her trainers.
Topsy was sentenced to death by electrocution. As 1,500 people watched, Topsy’s body was hit with a current of over 6,600 volts. She died almost instantly. Thomas Edison filmed the event, titling it “Electrocuting an Elephant” (Google it, but be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart)"

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