Cover Image
Image

Elephants
Description
There has been a surprising amount of elephants in Christchurch over time, both real and fake. In December 1966 an elephant race was even held in Papanui. Explore this set to see a few from our collection.
Elephant float preparing for the Hay's Christmas Parade
A large elephant float on wheels being pushed by a group of children in Hagley Park in preparation for the Hay's Christmas Parade. Behind it is a giraffe float also heading towards the parade.
Elephant race near Papanui Shopping Centre
Elephant race to raise funds for intellectually disabled children. The riders are Mrs Valerie Young, followed by Mr Martin Hobby a Waimairi County councillor and Mr Colin Curragh of the Canterbury...
Elephant slide, Bishopdale Park
Bishopdale elephant slide in playground of Bishopdale Park on the corner of Harewood Road and Leacroft Street. The elephant slide has become a icon for the community since it was built in the late...
Hagley Park Circus Animals
Was the heyday of the circus visiting town when it was OK to have elephants tied up. Locals were allowed to go and feed the elephants with bread - very exciting to us city girls
Elephant at the Industries Fair
Dolly, an Indian elephant, of the Industries Fair's free circus being brushed at the Addington Show Grounds.
Jumbo-Jumbo the elephant at the Industries Fair
Handlers, Paul Terry (left) and George Welsh with children riding Jumbo-Jumbo the elephant at the Industries Fair at the Addington Show Grounds.
'Elephant' and trainer during student capping week in Christchurch
University students dressed in an elephant costume as an elephant trainer at the student capping week parade in Christchurch.
Elephants on Rolleston Avenue
"Elephants and horses from a visiting circus being exercised, Rolleston Avenue, Chch, outside Christs College, 30th January 1979." - Contributor's note. Highly Commended in the Places category of 2020...
Peter Williams on an elephant
"Peter Williams, then 3ZB radio announcer, later TV personality, riding an elephant during a circus parade in Cambridge Terrace with old public library building in the background on 1st Feb 1979." -...
Festival of Flowers topiary elephant
Topiary elephant as part of the 2011 Festival of Flowers, located in Cathedral Square.
Festival of Flowers topiary elephant
Topiary elephant as part of the 2012 Festival of Flowers, located in Cashel Street.
Topiary elephant
Topiary elephant in ReMall for the Festival of Flowers 2012.
Philip Wild and the Ranfurly Shield
Philip Wild, who dressed up as mascot Larry the Lamb, with the Ranfurly Shield and trying the lamb suit head on Dolly the elephant.
Man on an elephant
A man riding an elephant in the Christmas Parade.
Man on an elephant in Christmas parade
Crowds watching a man on an elephant in the Christmas Parade.
Papier mache elephant at Jellie Park
Bruce McMillan atop a papier mache elephant at Jellie Park. Les Wood is also pictured.
Decorated container
Decorated shipping containers beneath the cliff on the road to Sumner in Christchurch.
Art by Owen Dippie
Art by Owen Dippie in Manchester Street for the Spectrum Street Art Festival.
Art by Owen Dippie
Art by Owen Dippie in Manchester Street for the Spectrum Street Art Festival.
Circus at Burwood Hospital
Views of patients at Burwood Hospital watching an elephant act from the Ridgway’s Circus in the hospital grounds.
Elephant race
Views of a lunchtime animal race at Cranmer Square organised by the Christchurch East branch of Rotary to publicise Ridgway’s Circus.
Animal race in Cranmer Square
Views of a lunchtime animal race at Cranmer Square organised by the Christchurch East branch of Rotary to publicise Ridgway’s Circus.
Elephant at Burwood Hospital
Views of patients at Burwood Hospital watching an elephant act from the Ridgway’s Circus in the hospital grounds.