Fritz the elephant

Fritz the elephant

An unusual stop on the Tours audio-guided tour, the stuffed elephant displayed in its case, at the entrance of the Fine Arts museum, intrigues every visitor. Here is Fritz, a star of the famous North American Barnum and Bailey circus in the early twentieth century.

From Asia to the United States

Fritz was born in Asia around 1820. He stands 2.90 metres at the shoulder, weighs more than seven tonnes and has tusks about one and a half metres long. Captured, he was bought by Phineas Taylor Barnum, the founder of the circus, trained in the United States, and became one of the performing elephants of the show.

What to see

In 1902, the circus on tour in Europe stopped in Tours. On 11 June, during the procession of animals towards the station, Fritz reportedly became suddenly uncontrollable. The animal's remains were preserved and stuffed, becoming an unusual monument of the museum. His story, marked by the exploitation of circus animals, now invites reflection.

Practical information

Fritz is displayed within the Fine Arts museum of Tours, at the foot of the cathedral. Days, times and admission prices to the museum should be checked depending on the season with the institution.

Who was Fritz the elephant ?

An Asian elephant, a star of the Barnum and Bailey circus, who died in Tours on 11 June 1902.

Why is Fritz at the museum ?

After his death in Tours, his remains were stuffed and preserved, becoming a curiosity of the Fine Arts museum.