Jumbo

This elephant was originally made by the American company, Tusko, in the mid-1950s.  Known as the Baby Tusko, it was a large model painted completely black with a yellow saddle.  By 1961, Robinson Partners were manufacturing an identical elephant named "Jumbo".  Robinson Partners also sold Tusko's Camel ride as part of their own range under the name of "Humpy".  I have yet to work out the connection between the two companies, and whether Robinson Partners were manufacturing the models themselves over here under license from Tusko or having Tusko's own animal models shipped over from the states.


Robinson Partners version, Wookey Hole Caves, May 2023

At the Amusement Trade Exhibition in 1977, Robinson Partners showed a modified version of the elephant with its back "scooped out" to create a seat instead of the rider sitting astride it on a saddle.  This version had also already been seen in the USA.


Smiths Amusements, Skegness, October 2024.  This particular elephant is a bit of a mystery to me.  I'm pretty certain that this is one of the original US rides rather than the Robinson Partners version, however I'm not sure if it's a "Tusko" or another variant.

Canvey Island, 1967.  Another of the mystery elephants as seen above, this one is known as "Baby Bimbo" but I don't know if that was his original name.

Carnival Street, Skegness, October 2024.  Another curious variation.  I'm not sure if this one is a Robinson Partners model or not, as I have never seen this base before.