Now becoming increasingly rare, the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) has had a long history with humans, often being trained to do work; especially in India. They are also the closest living relative of the extinct woolly mammoth. Though we usually think today of the Asian elephant as a denizen of the Far East, such as in India, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, historically in classical and ancient times they also roamed stretches of modern-day Iran and even nearly as far west as the northern part of Palestine, near Syria. It was encountered in Palestine by Pharaoh Thutmose III, and was probably also known to the ancient Babylonian and Persian empires. And to very recent times, the Asian elephant was a favorite in circuses and zoos. Hannibal’s favorite elephant was a one-tusked one named Surus, which means “Syrian,” indicating that he was probably an Asian elephant from Palestine.
In April of 2010, Ganz released this gorgeous plush Asian elephant as part of the Endangered Species pack in their Webkinz collection. I have to say that I love elephants and I know of no other stuffed Asian elephant that equals this one for realism and lovability. The only other that comes close…and this is like the Mercedes of stuffed animals…would be the small Asian elephant by Hansa, which however has tusks and so is probably male.
She is made of a gray velour-like fabric with a short nap that is pleasant to touch with the fingers. Her facial expression is precious, the detailing of the double-domed head and stitching on the inner ears is awesome. Her smiling pink mouth is open, she has five toenails on each foot, and little black bristles on the end of her tail. I have always liked the way Asian elephants appear to smile. The only inaccuracy I can detect is that I believe Asian elephants have four toes on their back feet. Three thread wrinkles are also stitched on the top of her trunk, and she has two black nostrils on the tip of her trunk. Her eyes are pretty too: Amber-colored with black pupils. This is an elephant that I think Carl Akeley, the founder of the American Museum of Natural History, who was also famous for his love of elephants, would be proud of. I named my elephant Melissa, after a good friend…and Melissa Manchester, of course. I also hand-stitched the felt blanket for her that she now wears on her back.
Sadly, to my knowledge this beautiful Asian elephant is no longer in production, though you might find one in good used condition online. I truly am captivated by the charm and realism of this beautiful elephant and she will be treasured. It is to be hoped that somebody will again produce one of this quality. ?
