Even an elephant needs a Road Trip now and then!
For many years one of the star attractions at Lincoln Park Zoo was their incomparable elephant named Judy. Some of you may have fond childhood memories of watching Judy seemingly enjoying herself looking at you – looking at her.
Back in 1943, Lincoln Park Zoo purchased Judy from Brookfield Zoo for $2,500; a flatbed truck was obtained for transport. Maybe she didn’t like the color of the truck, or just wanted the window seat, but whatever the reason Judy absolutely refused to get on the back of the truck.
I’m reminded of this wise old Irish proverb passed down by my Irish ancestors that says: “Never argue with a stubborn female that weighs 7,200 pounds.” A dozen men yanking on ropes found themselves overmatched, and my guess is they failed to outsmart her with that old peanuts on the ramp trick. In fact, she destroyed the truck to make her point; she wanted to walk.
She began her road trip at 7:00 pm, escorted by her entourage which included a motorcycle police escort, her zoo handlers and 20 well-armed men. Cheered on by an ever-growing crowd, Judy traveled down First Avenue to Washington Boulevard, before deciding on a pit stop at Bill Higgin’s filling station.
While details remain sketchy on what a pit stop for an elephant at a filling station entails, she eventually resumed her night out on the town. With bodyguards in tow, she walked through scenic River Forest and Oak Park; where she had the opportunity to admire the Frank Lloyd Wright homes. Next stop on her itinerary was Garfield Park, and according to the paparazzi following her every move, she enjoyed a leisurely picnic on the park’s grounds dining on hay. Judy finally arrived at her new home after an 18 mile trek at 2:15 in the morning.
From 1943 until her passing in 1971, Judy brought joy to the visitors of Lincoln Park Zoo, the young and old alike, and is remembered for her famous “shimmy dance.”
They say walking is good exercise, and it was for Judy the night she went for a stroll and lost over 250 pounds. The moral of the story boys and girls, is everyone needs a break now and then. If you feel like Judy and need a fun filled Road Trip, call us we can help.
They call me Chicago Kenny and I conduct historical tours of Chicago for groups of friends, family members or co-workers. We specialize in helping people who live or work in the suburbs by picking you up at your residence or business.
Follow