Origin Story

Dumbo’s beautiful story was based on the real elephant named “Jumbo.” A male, African elephant born in Sudan in 1860. His mother was killed by poachers, kidnapped and sold. Then Jumbo himself got taken away to London Zoo in 1865. He became a huge hit, a Victorian period sensation. Next, he spent his days giving zoo visitors rides on his back.

Though Jumbo travelled with “Barnum & Bailey’s Circus” in 1885, he unfortunately passed away during his career. “Jumbo’s craze” as they called it, did not leave un-attended. His story continued for many many years to come.

Dumbo is a Disney animated film released in 1941. The story began with the birth of Dumbo, who his mother Mrs Jumbo had longed for, but he was born with oversized ears and he was nicknamed “Dumbo” for being “dumb” with his big ears.

The film was about Dumbo’s journey of self-discovery. Dumbo always got bullied and ridiculed by other elephants and animals for being different. Dumbo met a small mouse who became his friend and guided him as a mentor, motivated and encouraged him to reach his full potential to fly with his big ears. He then became an elephant who was admired and loved by others and lived happily with his mother thereafter. Thankfully, Tim Burton’s “Dumbo” ends on a much happier note.