Bimbo Jr., the water-skiing elephant
Bimbo Jr. wasn't the only water-skiing elephant around, but in the early 1960s she gained some fame as the youngest water-skiing elephant. She was 5 at the time.
However, her career as a water-skiier eventually came to an unusual end. In 1969, a car collided with the trailer that was transporting her. She survived, but her owner, Ted De Wayne, claimed that the experience caused her to forget how to water-ski, so he sued the driver for $10,000. He was awarded $4,500.
It's been reported in various places that the case was heard by Judge Turtle. But this isn't true. The judge's actual name was Julius Title.
However, her career as a water-skiier eventually came to an unusual end. In 1969, a car collided with the trailer that was transporting her. She survived, but her owner, Ted De Wayne, claimed that the experience caused her to forget how to water-ski, so he sued the driver for $10,000. He was awarded $4,500.
It's been reported in various places that the case was heard by Judge Turtle. But this isn't true. The judge's actual name was Julius Title.
Bimbo water-skiing in San Diego - Mar 20, 1961.
Bimbo water-skiing in Santa Monica - Apr 28, 1962 (via LA Public Library)
Salem Capital Journal - Feb 26, 1972
Orlando Evening Star - Feb 25, 1972
Comments
DeWayne should have had Mathwig shovel elephant poo for five years.
Posted by KDP on 07/01/19 at 01:22 PM
However, since an elephant never forgets, I suspect this one saw a way out of being waterlogged for human amusement and ran with it!
agent j
agent j
Posted by agent j on 07/02/19 at 08:54 AM
Shortly thereafter, DeWayne was in another unfortunate accident, when PETA came to visit him.
Posted by Virtual in Carnate on 07/02/19 at 08:05 PM
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Category: Animals | 1960s