Topsy (elephant)

Topsy (born circa 1875, died January 4, 1903), was a domesticated elephant with the Forepaugh Circus at Coney Island's Luna Park. Because she had killed three men in as many years (including a severely abusive trainer who attempted to feed her a lit cigarette), [cite episode | title = Series E, Episode 2 | series = QI | airdate = 2007-09-21 | season = E | number = 2 ] Topsy was deemed a threat to people by her owners and killed by electrocution on January 4, 1903. [http://www.railwaybridge.co.uk/topsy.html "Bad elephant killed. Topsy meets quick and painless death at Coney Island," The Commercial Advertiser, New York, Jan. 5, 1903. retrieved Oct. 27, 2006] ] Inventor Thomas Edison captured the event on film. He would release it later that year under the title "Electrocuting an Elephant".

A means of execution initially discussed was hanging. However, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals protested and other ways were considered. Edison then suggested electrocution with alternating current, which had been used for the execution of humans since 1890.

To reinforce the execution, Topsy was fed carrots laced with 460 grams of potassium cyanide before the deadly current from a 6,600-volt AC source was sent coursing through her body. She was dead in seconds. The event was witnessed by an estimated 1,500 people and Edison's film of the event was seen by audiences throughout the United States.

On July 20, 2003, a memorial for Topsy was erected at the Coney Island Museum.

Usage in popular works of art

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Portions of Edison's film "Electrocuting an Elephant" have appeared in many works of art such as:

* The 1979 movie "Mr. Mike's Mondo Video"
* Nine Inch Nails' 1997 Closure VHS set.
* A 1999 documentary about Fred A. Leuchter.
* The 2000 movie "Hamlet".
* The 2006 movie "Land of the Blind".

Other Media

A song called "Coney Island Funeral" recorded by the history band Pinataland for their EP "Songs from Konijn Kok" tells the tale of Topsy.

ee also

* List of historical elephants
* Mary (elephant)
* War of Currents
* Thomas Edison
* Chunee
* Tyke (elephant)
* Shooting an Elephant

References

External links

* [http://www.laweekly.com/art+books/wls/topsy-the-elephant/16401/ Fiction: "Topsy the Elephant"] published by The LA Weekly
*
* [http://www.coneyisland.com/museum.shtml The Coney Island Museum, Brooklyn, NY]
* [http://www.counterpunch.org/hribal12142006.html "When Animals Resist their Exploitation"] by Jason Hribal
* [http://www.roadsideamerica.com/pet/topsy.html Topsy, Electrocuted by Edison]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/americas/3083029.stm New York honours electrocuted elephant] by BBC News