The mascot comes from P. T. Barnum's circus, as Barnum was one of the original trustees of Tufts College. According to legend, Jumbo the Elephant heroically jumped in front of a train, sacrificing himself to save a younger elephant from dying.

Jan 22, 2014 · Jumbo the elephant, a figure that most Tufts students wear on sweatshirts, hats and hoodies with pride, is one of the only animal mascots in the nation chosen for his heroism. The elephant is a circus legend of bravery who also gave origin to the modern use of the term jumbo to mean large in size.

Sep 22, 2014 · Jumbo, the elephant Tufts never forgets, is being celebrated this fall with an art exhibition and a commemorative book to mark the 125th anniversary of the university mascot’s arrival on campus.

"Jumbo" has been the mascot of Tufts University for over one hundred years. Jumbo was born around December 25, 1860, in Sudan, [1] and after his mother was killed by poachers, the infant Jumbo was captured by Sudanese elephant poacher Taher Sheriff and German big-game poacher Johann Schmidt. [1] .

I’m talking about the 5,000 pound, 12 feet tall, 18 feet long statue of Jumbo the elephant, our beloved mascot. Now, plenty has been written about Jumbo’s life and his significance at Tufts. I’m not here to re-write that, but I encourage you to read about it here and here .

Jumbo the Elephant, Tufts’ official mascot, was the prime attraction in P.T. Barnum's entertainment empire. He was the first African elephant in the United States.

Since 1885, our mascot, Jumbo, has inspired and encouraged everyone who wears the brown and blue, including our student-athletes. Tufts Athletics gives them a dynamic, transformational experience that begins on the playing field and continues throughout their lives.

Jumbo, Tufts University's official mascot, was a male African elephant owned by P.T. Barnum, a Tufts trustee and benefactor. Jumbo was the largest elephant known at the time, standing approximately 12 feet tall at the shoulder and weighing more than six tons.

Jumbo: Marvel, Myth, and mascot, a short film by Tufts University Professor Andrew McClellan The Collection on P. T. Barnum, 1818 – 2009 includes: Jumbo’s tail

Jumbo was a male African elephant owned by P.T. Barnum, Tufts trustee and benefactor, and is mascot of Tufts University. Jumbo was the largest elephant known at the time, standing approximately twelve feet tall at the shoulder and weighing more than six tons.