Jumbo

 Jumbo the Elephant was part of RG Mitchell's popular animal ride range.  As with so many of their animal rides, I believe the earliest version was a flat, wooden "Muffin the Mule" style creature.  I've seen photos of a wooden RG Mitchell elephant on their "Ride-About" carousel, but never seen any evidence of her as a standalone rocking ride. I find it hard to believe she would not have been made that way though.

RG Mitchell Advert - The Coin Slot, January 1974

Having said that, Jumbo never seems to have been a particular favourite with Mitchells. While other RG Mitchell animals, such as Rocky, Jerry and Danny, were recreated in fibreglass as early as 1964, fibreglass Jumbo didn't make an appearance until the Amusement Trades Exhibition in January 1972.

1984 RG Mitchell Leaflet

As with most Mitchell animals, she has undergone several colour changes over the years, starting out in a realistic shade of grey (with brown circus-style decorations on her face and around her saddle), and then becoming pale pink the mid-1980s (still with decorative circus designs, but this time in green and yellow).  In the very early 1990s, she had lost her circus theme but remained a pale pink with a pale blue saddle.  By 1994, she became a richer bubblegum pink with a royal blue saddle.  Production continued into the 21st century and the final Jumbos to be sold seem to have mostly been painted yellow or white and returned to the "circus" theme with brightly coloured decorations on their bodies.

Early 1990s RG Mitchell Leaflet

As with all RG Mitchell animal rides, the elephant played lullabies and nursery rhymes when in motion, and rocked very gently so as to be enjoyed by even the smallest rider.

2000 RG Mitchell Catalogue

According to RG Mitchell advertising material, Jumbo measured 42" x 25" x 39" and weighed 134lbs.

White Jumbo - Folly Farm Adventure Park, June 2019

Yellow Jumbo - Copperama Amusements, Skegness, June 2014