Sunday, July 22, 2012

National Zoo


 1958


 Radar, that male look's an awful lot like Bouk.  Was he ever in Washington?


8 comments:

Unknown said...

I think this male Asian elephant's name was Ashok.

Wade G. Burck said...

Charlie,
Thank you. What do you think, does he look a bit like Buke? I hope all is well with your fabulous program.

Be safe, friend

Wade

Unknown said...

I saw a picture of this elephant with a threaded rod attached between his tusks. I guess they were trying to spread them apart.

Wade G. Burck said...

Charlie,
I have often wondered if it is possible to spread/space tusks with something between. I would think if they weren't touching yet or one had started the upturn, it might be possible, a bit at a time. I should think once one had started to upturn, it would be difficult, if not impossible to get equal, even pressure on them. Or just get you one of those handsome temple boy's with the short, thick tusks. :)

Wade

Ryan Easley said...

Wade's blog has hit the big time. Mr. Gray, my dad sends you his regards.

Wade,
I don't see any reason Buke would have been in Washington. Did they have an elephant ride, either in-house or contracted? Regardless, Buke was not imported until 1969.

The 1958 Smithsonian herd (the date given for the postcard) consisted of 11 year old Asians Ashok and Shanthi, 5 year old African Nancy and 3 year old Asian Dixie.

Ashok died the following year and Dixie was sold.

Ryan Easley said...

Forgot to add, the first postcard is dated 1949. This is Jumbina.

Wade G. Burck said...

Radar,
Relax, don't piss down you leg, Charlies been here before. I recall one memorable day when the "Recent Comment" column started with Dianne Olds Rossi, followed by Charlie Grey, followed by Jamie(Jim)Clubb, followed by Richard Reynolds, and lastly by Jim Alexander. I almost popped a nutter that day, I want to tell you.
Look at pictures of Buke and compare them to Ashok, and tell me there is not a remarkable resemblance. Buke is a pretty distinctive, handsome boy. Awful memorable, and hard to forget.

Wade

Wade G. Burck said...

Addendum to Charlie Grey,
Charlie, do me a favor and go over to "Show Me Elephants"(it's linked on the right, for your convenience)and make a comment, so Radar can finish writing his biography and press release. :)

Wade