Jumbo: David Attenborough On The Tragic Life Of The Superstar Elephant | Jumbo | Absolute History

David Attenborough investigates the remarkable life and death of Jumbo the elephant - the biggest animal celebrity of the 19th century whose story is said to have inspired the movie Dumbo. The most famous animal in the world, Jumbo captivated the world. But behind the curtain, was a tragic story of abuse, alcoholism, violence, and a mysterious death.
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[@paulohenriquenettodealcant6578]

I was just 18 years old, First time I saw one of Mr Attenbourough documentary and now I'm almost 60y and he is still keep going!❤❤❤

[@Error_-qz2zr]

wow

[@Bibagodiva55]

I'm over 68 now and it is a bit same to me, because I'm a Human which is very close to all Animals since my earliest Childhood. Sir Attenborough is a real gorgeous, amazing and wellhearted understanding Animal-Friend and Scientist-Reporter and Movie-Maker about his many Expieriences and wonderful Dokumentaries. 💞👏🏻😍💞❣️ It is like we can "speak the same Language"❣️😍 And I have something like a "Friendship" with some Indian Elephant-"Girls" since 1980, as I was the first Time in Sri Lanka at Kandy, upon there to the "Elephants Bath" close to their River over there upon a Hill.. I can swear, because of my everyday Visits over 2 Times a Year while mostly a few Weeks staying there and helping to take Care and beiing very close to them, brush them and do them some "Wellness", and that till 2010 ober 30 years, that two of the "Girls" there can always remember, WHO I am. That's so wonderful and their Mahouts can prove that. They remember while I'm a bit away, they change their Behavior, make Noises and put their Trunks Up...🥰😢😍🥰😲😄💋💋💋👏🏻❣️...Like: she is' coming back...we need to greet her 🥰🤗😍👏🏻❣️😲😄 May show, that they remember my Smell, they have an excellent good Nose! That is such a Honor to me, that I start crying here about the Tragic Life of this poor amazing Destiny of this Elephant. 😢😭😭😓🫣💕. This is nearly breaking my Heart. Humans are awful.

[@PriceJames-v6f]

and he ignited my love for documentaries in general ❤

[@retard_activated]

I'm 43 and I remember David always throughout my life, inspiring me and my love of nature! He has been my hero always, and although I know I will never get to meet him, I hope he knows the impact he's had on humanity as a whole. Love live Sir David!!! 💖💖💖

[@richardofoz2167]

Me too. I was younger and am now 76.

[@suzannelatham7771]

I could listen to David Attenborough all day ♥

[@johnlord8337]

Slava Jumbo - glory and honor. In all pain with physical/emotional/mental torment - now no more pain. Live long and prosper with the heavenly elephant herd - you will be remembered and not forgotten. Salute !

[@LudiCrust.]

Greetingth and thalutationth you thilly goothe

[@AntoinetteKirsten]

So sad poor Jumbo😭😭😭respect also for keeping his history alive in a museum I have never heard or read about this amazing animal until now😭

[@mapples007]

The Disney movie, Dumbo, was made in the 60s about circus elephants.

[@cyndifoore7743]

Thank for this tribute for this magnificent elephant.

[@dakotadakota115]

That should've never been captured and enslaved by wicked people.

[@SweetChicagoGator]

​@@dakotadakota115 If not captured for society the elephant would have been slaughtered in the wild for his tusks !! 💔

[@michaelhoran407]

This was superb documentary about the life and tragic death of the circus elephant Jumbo, May he and his faithful keeper Rest In Peace.

[@James-kv6kb]

He was in a zoo as well?

[@nelsoncordova9354]

I didn't imagine before sitting down here to watch this documentary that I'd want to be crying my eyes out after so many different truths being revealed.

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

That man is such a great teacher and gift to this world, God Bless him.

[@Firebird.1991]

I fall asleep watching his documentaries, his voice is so calming and soothing

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

My children grew up to the voice of a young Sir David, now my great grand children are. Thanks to videos such as this they will be able to hear his calm voice educate them to the ways of nature.

[@valkyrienix555]

Poor Jumbo. Sir.David Attenborough told the story of this poor tragic elephant that deserved a better life, the cruelty of humans, and the greed that propelled that cruelty. In such a clear feeling way. Allowing the viewer to connect not with just the story but the many aspects of this magnificent animals life, cruel though they may be. Thank you, Sir, for your many decades of service to the natural world and educating us idiots who learn much from your experience, education, and empathy.

[@j.b.4340]

Poor Jumbo. It really was a tragedy.

[@lilitharam44]

Yes, keeping elephants in captivity is a tragedy. Them being slaughtered in their homeland is even worse. Something must be done.

[@deboramccallum3987]

He is the best nature show narrator and his heart and soul is deeply rooted in truth. I will miss him terribly.

[@valkyrienix555]

Miss who?

[@kenyanoxygen5801]

jumbo was the best nature show narrator@@valkyrienix555

[@Liksterr97]

Mr Attenborough is a pure soul it seems. Would be an absolute pleasure and honor to meet him.

[@elielf1893]

Sir David Attenborough still has the same voice, the voice that led my soul to travel through all thoses wonderful documentaries. Gratitude for these magical moments.

[@joshuareinoehl924]

A legend in his own time, such a positive influence on my childhood! Some of my earliest memories are of his mesmerizing voice, thank you sir 🙏

[@elizabethannegrey6285]

A magnificent tribute to Jumbo. The nobility of this elephant has reduced me to tears. His keeper was an absolute Godsend.❤️

[@ablue5419]

Poor elephant no even his majestic presence can’t save him from human cruelty .

[@TMS26164]

Wow what a long time i have seen uour face and hear your voice, Sir david Attenborough

[@tandiparent1906]

❤🌎Sir Attenborough is a world treasure.

[@kimbrey65]

I'm used to seeing him on BBC Earth. This is a treat!

[@jmdq1]

The saddest is that Jumbo lived in pain for so many years, before his awful death. They even left him lying there bleeding to death ! This makes me so angry. After all the money he made for them while living in torture they couldn’t even spare him a bullet to end his suffering 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢. No words can describe how my heart aches for all that poor Elephant had to live through . He’d have been better off dying from starvation in Africa the length of suffering would have been a lot less for him to endure. Animals suffer every day at the hands of un-describable human torture. They need land to live on. Human beings are the cruelest creatures on the earth 🌍

[@James-kv6kb]

Yes things happen but not to the extent that you are claiming ,that is the animal rights groups that have brainwashed you into believing that humans are so cruel and continuously do evil things to animals which is not the case . You are a victim of stereotyping it's much easier for you to think that everything is bad because that way you don't have to think

[@marthasharrott6197]

I agree..

[@shirleyandrews1152]

Your last sentence was exactly what I was thinking before I even finished reading your state’mt. Tho I must admit I’ve felt this way for decades.

[@James-kv6kb]

@@shirleyandrews1152 just because human beings didn't know about animals in the past it doesn't mean that they don't now, they are not evil they are just ignorant. Just like the people that think that you can send animals back to the wild so they can have a story book lifestyle when that's just totally impossible in most cases

[@SweetChicagoGator]

Money talks and BS walks ! Besides, he would have been killed for his tusks back in the African Savanna. 🤢

[@bobpaalep7481]

Hats off to Mr. Atten borough . His enthusiasm is unique. I have seen almost most of his videos. God bless him and we need these type of people. From Australia

[@engegiger]

It's Sir David Attenborough!! He turned 98 May 8, 2024 🥰

[@Anders-r5n]

Many.times when I go to sleep,I put the voice of this increíble man and it makes me relaxed..God bless you,Sir David

[@Noneya5241]

Tragic and humans still capture these beautiful elephants.

[@lomakevin]

I grew up listening to David's voice. Every time i hear him I feel nostalgic.

[@brendaroberts1920]

I cry for the suffering that Jumbo went through in his short life. So tragic 💔

[@earlperson741]

I CAN REMEMBER BEING IN GRADE SCHOOL READING ABOUT JUMBO...... MORE THAN ONCE...... THAT IS SO CLEAR TO ME LIKE YESTERDAY IN MY MIND....

[@sherimcdaniel3491]

David Attenborough is the best friend ALL animals ever had!!! What a life he has led! I’d love to sit down to tea and just listen! He is a “world treasure”. ❤️🐈

[@rabbithomesteading3797]

Elephants are so smart! I dont know what to think of colossal bring back mammoth after this? Jumbo despite his pain was still so smart to be good with people. Amazing creature! RIP Jumbo! Love David!

[@Brisingrize]

You have to remember, that this is all caused by miseducation and no knowledge, he was loved, truly loved, just not in the way that was best for him. And no one knew that he wasn't alright, they were going off knowledge they had at the time. Think about how we used to work with horses compared to now for example ( even though truthfully we need to continue to improve, 24/7 turnout and herd grazing is vital) and how zoo's can now use positive reinforcement for behaviours needed to produce less stress on their animals (less sedation). And if it weren't for animal ambassadors like, Jumbo, like Kashin and Bruma who were at Auckland Zoo, many of us, would not have our love an fascination for these incredible animals we share the earth with.

[@rabbithomesteading3797]

@@Brisingrize Awesome points! it is what we knew at the time!

[@ard8785]

My heart breaks for poor Jumbo. Jumbo lived a lonely and physically very painful life - and an equally tragic death, all because of greedy men. On top of those greedy men were the Queen herself who capitalized and cemented the harms done to Jumbo - just to make her grandchildren, and the people of the hypocritical kingdom, to the detriment of the poor Jumbo. What made the pains more injurious to Jumbo was the greedy, corrupt, and more hateful PT Barnum who used Jumbo to enrich himself the more and to make himself richer, and richer, and famous... I have to say, I have so much hatred for this spiteful man for his cruelty to Jumbo and to all the animals on his circus team. 😡😡😡

[@James-kv6kb]

A very bitter person that obviously hates men and only relies on stereotypes because that's easier than thinking . Tell me are you one of these women that are so bitter that you can't get a man, because you've got 15 piercings and a blue mohawk

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

Blame it on lack of knowledge. Back then animal wellfare wasn’t something anyone had ever heard of. Things have changed enomously the last 100-150 years.

[@cruisepaige]

@@kasperkjrsgaard1447I don’t think we should accept excuses. It was straight up greed. Zoos were and ARE immoral.

[@ColleenC-n5v]

Poor Jumbo truly suffered. Thank you for telling his true story!

[@jessicaarguelles4979]

I watched the greatest showman and I was curious about the history. Turned out Barnum was the monster and this documentary is a beautiful memorial to remember what jumbo was, To conmemorate his memory by not supporting any kind of animal cruelty and to appreciate how majestic these animals are. Thank you for the research and this contribution to the world even when we are 130 years ahead. It’s never too late.

[@catherine59226]

Sir Attenborough is an inspiration!

[@VintageYakyu]

Sir David Attenborough has been part of my life for so long, I can't remember anything else.

[@lianefehrle9921]

I love how he loves animals

[@babakgholian3467]

Sir David attenborough we love you like a father .

[@kleigh4418]

Cant believe this man is 97

[@yooper6161]

Seriously! Damn he must have eaten babies!

[@rachelkristine4669]

Why not? Both Mel Brooks & his buddy, Dick Van Dyke are the same age & STILL going strong & sharp as a tack. 🥰

[@zeeej710]

Sir* David Attenborough, god bless him. I hope he lives forever. I feel like he's the Carl Sagan of the animal world.

[@PaulMarinaro]

91 there, but still 😮

[@davidlamb7524]

29:08 a new word in the English language. "Conspiralled" !

[@ard8785]

My heart breaks for poor Jumbo. Jumbo lived a lonely and physically very painful life - and an equally tragic death, all because of greedy men. This brings to me to the story of poor Mali, the elephant at the Manila Zoo, Republic of the Philippines, who died October of 2023, due to poor health - and extreme loneliness... I first saw Mali, the lonely elephant at the Manila Zoo, June of 2002, as a birthday present to my only son on his 6th birthday... My son is now 27. Meaning, Mali lived all his 30 (?) plus years on that very small pond, pit, enclosure, however you call it, sentenced to live his life in loneliness - all his life, without seeing another elephant, damned to death... Mali, I've heard, had died in her sleep... 😢 Mali, just like Jumbo, may have made a lot of children, and adults alike, happy. But if can just understand the unsmiling poker face the slow robotic pace and movements, the periodic amoks, were deep loneliness and painful sadness, creating very very deep longings for companionship for his own kind. I understand and feel that Jumbo, and Mali, have preferred the kind of death that they have experienced - tragic, or very very sad they may be, but have preferred such death as the only way outvto escape the cruelty of men. 😢

[@imsleepingbeauty]

David Attenborough is my hero! ❤🙌

[@VenusEvan_1885]

Our hero

[@Lady_Odi]

I love the story of Jumbo! Thank you for this beautiful documentary

[@thebanjoman1963]

PT Barnum was always prone to exaggeration. He never missed an opportunity to make a buck.

[@fatovamingus]

There's a suckered born every minute

[@SuzettePylant]

No matter who it hurt.

[@volcommermaid12]

This was another fantastic docu. By the best voice ever Mr. Attenborough! And are u kidding me all that strange stuff in his belly ?! I'm happy his keeper got to go with him till the end

[@engegiger]

It's Sir David Attenborough!! He turned 98 May 8, 2024

[@harristanaya31]

Humans do not deserve Elephants. Humans hunted, inprisoned, beat and killed them. 😢😢 Thank goodness most humans treat them better then years past. 😢❤❤

[@19sman74]

Such a sad story for a beautiful creature. Learning from it is definitely important❤

[@isabelalves7749]

Poor creature, he'd be better off dead, than have such a sad fate😭Love to hear Sir David, he gives a special colour to nature! ❤️

[@mooncow-io]

I’ve had broken bones, and still, tooth aches hurt worse imo. I’ve heard women say tooth pain is worse than child birth. I can’t imagine how much pain this poor thing was in. :/

[@judytaylor3099]

So true! I’ve given birth three times, and my accessed tooth was by far more painful.

[@ziggystardust1751]

God bless David Attenborough.Thanks for your contagious inspiration that you have shared with us for so many years.🎉

[@engegiger]

It's Sir David Attenborough!! He turned 98 May 8, 2024

[@MartinKillips]

It's too depressing to hear what that poor elephant went through at the hands of its owners. I am brought to tears.What a dreadful species we are.

[@puccipower]

This is insanely sad.

[@concerned1144]

May you rest in peace you poor sweet animal

[@womanofsubstance8735]

I love Sir David, but I cannot watch the rest of this video because of the way elephants have been abused unto death, Jumbo among many. Sad. Thankfully, we are slowly awakening to their true characters and abilities.

[@lindadekam1019]

As a Lover of Elephants and for Mr.David Attenborough work .. I was so touched to hear about the life of Jumbo .. As he is now in the Angelic Realm .. I want to say as a child I was bought up on Jumbo books etc.. And to appreciate what suffering he went through to please his Humans.. Brought tears in me.. Thank goodness he had a man his keeper that showed him at least some love maybe a little Tough ! But as a human being Not receiving love from other humans.. It begs the question? Have we as Humans, learnt from this Story ..? I hope so ..We are all creatures that need care , Love and understanding and TO STOP USING AND ABUSING BOTH HUMANS AND ANIMALS FOR GREED..PLEASE 🙏 sending love and light to everyone ❤

[@engegiger]

It's Sir David Attenborough!! He turned 98 May 8, 2024

[@TjakoBoBrandsma]

We are Blessed with David Attenborough, I have been fascinated by his work, it is magnificent what he has done and still does, God Bless him✌🏽

[@engegiger]

It's Sir David Attenborough!! He turned 98 May 8, 2024

[@darth_yoda]

Such a gripping and tragic story beautifully told by one of the worlds foremost narrators of Nature videos... But damn it's also sad to see just how much Attenborough have slipped over the last couple of years. His age is really starting to catch up on him both by look and by voice, but then he is in his 90's and still going with his documentaries.

[@lizcastro8069]

I remember about 34 yrs ago, a circus company came to the town of Greeley, Colorado. They had a full grown, tame elephant. Rides were $1 per person. I got in line after some children. The three children were riding together, as a trainer walked slowly next to the elephant. They got off and then I got on, alone. The trainer told me, make no sudden movements, no screaming or whistling, no kicking. I said of course, no problem. The elephant took a few steps and I was very quiet. A relative snapped a photo of me. I thought things were okay, so i smiled for the picture. When I looked at the trainer, his face was twisted with concern. He asked me if I'd had enough, I nodded yes. The elephant took me back to a tall landing, with an attached ladder. I got off and I petted the neck of the elephant gently. She was so sweet. I looked again at the trainer and his face looked like something was wrong, but I didn't know what it was. That face has haunted me. I've always wondered what the trainer was thinking. All I know is, something was very wrong, so I never rode the elephants, again. Now I watched this documentary, and it's horrifying - to think of how Jumbo suffered pain or mental anguish in his chains and confinement. I pray many more circus animals can be rescued from similar fates. I'd never spend money at a circus, now. This documentary has opened my eyes to many things I didn't know.

[@stevendaleschmitt]

All elementary school children should see this film.

[@midnightgir6]

Finally, an absolute history documentary that really stays faithful to the video title. Also, David Attenborough is a great documentary host.

[@kyky8862]

Poor Jumbo😢😢😢😢😢 such soulful and beautiful creatures! Humans are sometimes so awful and tbh the more I learn about P.T. Barnum the more I really really dislike him and think he was a genuinely horrible person

[@rebekahschickenarmy]

Thank you for this wonderful documentary!

[@daisyhagen2]

At 65 yrs. old this is the first time I've heard this story about his life and death. I'm so glad I didn't hear it when I was a kid.

[@menloe24]

Wow - that was a great story … well done

[@carolynmorris7303]

Glad to see elephants living together. They are truly amazing animals

[@idajessihall3215]

Im so sad for Jumbo, I'm glad his spirit went to heaven when he died, because his poor body never got to rest in peace😢 He was so disrespected in life and in death, but his loud trumpeting can still be heard on still quiet nights, calling to his family and friend's, and being able to be what he was meant to be, a king and a monarch, wild and free! ❤

[@orstorzsok6708]

It is a deeply sad, heartbreaking story 😔😔😔

[@ingridllinas5612]

Thank so much for sharing so much information on an african elephant. It is amazing how studies can evidence the real happenings. So interesting. From growing tusks, teeth in the wrong direction, wrong food, femur dimensions, and many more details on that amazing elephant. It is sad to know that it died so young when it could have grown up to 40 years as any other african elephant. For its age, it was pretty high. Jumbo did suffer. The skull talks. We cannot keep animals isolated, detriment to their well being as in people. They also be the victims due to their tusks. Fortunately there are sanctuaries as the one in Tennessee, where they have a chance to live longer. I wont ever forget, how a lie could spread when years later photographs and facts gave the evidence of the tragic moments. September 15, 1885. Bleeding inside due to a hit of a locomotive. So different from Barnum’ news. Sir David. I do appreciate your beautiful work. I will continue to spread the story.

[@makerernathan]

The last part of the Documentary carries a Heavier message to the Europeans Let the Wild be raise by wilderness Amazing stuff David Attenborough

[@TheMartinick]

Poor, dear Jumbo. 😢

[@ghesoonkarim602]

All circus around the world needs to leave animals alone enough 😢

[@shable1436]

Actually children seeing these zoos makes a massive impression on them at seeing how cruel it is to keep animals locked up. So zoos are the best weapons against itself

[@ghesoonkarim602]

@shable1436 Very true

[@SDSWrath004]

I don't think he's ever made anything bad. He can take the most mundane topic and make me enjoy it. Great man.

[@gointothedogs4634]

What a sad story and ending for such a magnificent animal. Elephants are still suffering similarly today, with is why I try to donate to their rescues and protection. Too many standing around in pain in zoos, suffering in chains. I rode an elephant in the '90's in India that was so noticeably sad ( is that a word?) that I still think about it from time to time. They don't belong in captivity. Thank you David Attenborough!

[@caroldickson4034]

This man is a World Treasure. God bless him. ❤😊

[@texanasimmons1761]

A very sad story of a very tragic exisitance of a beautiful and majestic animal. I pray that humankind will learn from these mistakes and let these glorious creatures live peaceful lives. 🐘RIP Jumbo.🐘

[@ernesttravers7517]

Best video I have seen Will have to keep watching David's contributions for ever

[@engegiger]

It's Sir David Attenborough!! He turned 98 May 8, 2024

[@ernesttravers7517]

@@engegiger Thanks Old youtubes from him will pop up

[@ernesttravers7517]

@@engegiger A heap of animal videos appeared, so I won't die wondering

[@deletethis6902]

My favourite stuffed animal way back in the day was an elephant named Jumbo. He went everywhere with me, and I couldn't sleep without him. 🐘💖

[@jamielandis4606]

I knew this story would tie me up in knots. I’ve heard of Jumbo. His life was miserable. It was probably best he died. Poor thing!

[@annbartley821]

Its been said that with fame, comes pain. No one ever looked that far forward during his time. Such a shame...

[@Proto-Tytan]

Let us all pay our respects to this moviestar mammoth.

[@sadiaMunsif]

poor majestic Jumbo...my heart bleeds for lonely, sick elephant 🐘

[@familymajor]

Thank you for this Documentary

[@migueltorres6073]

I LOVE IT WITH TEARS IN MY EYES.

[@pattysouza2954]

I remember reading about him when I was a small child and he was treated terribly.

[@pradi0072]

We human are the wrost beings on this earth torturing every animals n birds....poor jumbo feel sorry for him

[@BlueMoon-0506]

Let it be known exactly which group of humans they are: the white race!

[@celestehogan5907]

We are stil listening to you DA. Love the docs!!! We care!!!

[@boydwoodgyer2139]

That shot of 5 Elephants walking “ trunk to tail “ is awesome even though I know that they do not carry out that behaviour in the wild . Cheers 🍻 , Woody NZ 🇳🇿 .

[@koushiksen100]

Thank you Sharmila Choudhury and Duglad Maudsley Producing this Documentary.

[@cajuncraftysue]

Jumbo’s story breaks my heart!

[@ThomasCranmer1959]

Jumbo's story is very sad indeed.

[@carolgibson-wilson4354]

I often think of Sir Attenborough and others who are enchanted by, awed by our planet and its inhabitants. Elephants are very special to me. This story and Emily Elephant's are pure tragedy. God save our planet from humans.

[@kmcd3020]

If god exists he's the one that put them here no? Never mind the 99% percent that are extinct already. What an evil person this god must be

[@carolgibson-wilson4354]

@@kmcd3020 God is a name given to a higher power. So is Allah, Great Spirit, Krishna, etc. I could have said Susan but that name holds no power in this world.

[@kmcd3020]

@@carolgibson-wilson4354 you could also name thousands of others 😂😂

[@DAFERDOLLAR]

great report ❤ thanx😊

[@Hellnback303]

Great docu. Greater still because its David Attenborough in it.

[@equarg]

RIP Jumbo. Hope you are now forever free across that Rainbow Bridge 🌈 🐘

[@carolynmorris7303]

Animal whisperers are amazing. It is a real gift Jumbo had an animal whisperer.

[@kagehikari4281]

Im amazed with all his poor health issues, how tolerant and agreeable he was. I have no doubt, if it had been anyone else that raised him, we easily could had have another Topsy event. Poor fellow.

[@guidododo4822]

Sorry, Jumbo. I love you. RIP

[@denisesavoie9915]

What a beautiful documentary. ❤

[@no1nderwhy]

such a dichotomy, that while Jumbos quality of life deteriorated under the ownership of Barnam. his tusks began to regrow in the social group of other elephants. upon his death, the photos indicate tusks not in earlier photos. I'm glad efforts are made to try and give animals better care in captivity and the wild. we can do better, and as long as we keep trying, it's the right thing to do. bravo to the sanctuary in Tennessee. Bravo and tyvm to Sir Attenbourough for this wonderful account and bringing facts to our historical perspectives, worldwide. we need more humans like him.

[@nimmahithayshi3884]

ಈ loved him since I was an child ❤

[@Anders-r5n]

Creo hay poca gente como Sir David...What you have done does'nt have words...

[@michel3691]

Elephants that knew each other from either circuses or zoos have been reunited at the Tennessee sanctuary. Those friendships were renewed. 💚