Los Angeles Zoo 1977

The North American Regional Studbook for the African Elephant lists the arrival of four 6 year old female African elephants from animal importer Jurgen Schulz on November 28, 1977. Josephine, Lolly, Sage and McClean are all listed as acquired by Schulz around 1974 before their sale to the California zoo three years later. According to studbook records, Josephine and Lolly were sold together approximately two years later to the Asian country of Taiwan. Sage and McClean resided together, along with other elephants of both species, in the Los Angeles Zoo elephant exhibit until the death of Sage in May 1984 and McClean in March 1986.

Gabe, Misty & Sage, Enchanted Village, 1976-77
Courtesy of D Wichert

Tom Packs Elephants

The Tom Packs Elephants were considered the best trained elephant act of its time. Trained by elephant master Mac MacDonald, they represented the epitome of class and skill throughout the 1950s and into the 1960s. Originally trained as a group of five elephants for the Tom Packs Circus, four of the animals represent part of a larger group imported together in 1948. Another was added during the training period; several years later an elephant was replaced for medical reasons. The focus here is on the Tom Packs group, but will address in some detail their original shipmates as well.