Giants of Bristol Zoo

majestic city elephants

who have reigned in Bristol Zoo

for more than a hundred years

each a character through and through

cheeky Zebi, who stole straw hats

from many an elegant Victorian punter

a gift to the Zoo from a maharajah 

she was greatly loved wonder

Rajah, sported magnificent tusks

only male through the Zoo`s history

arriving from Calcutta in 1913

he certainly added to Bristol`s story

Judy was a sweet little character

not tall in stature but big in heart

bringing a smile to all who met her

in her decorated blanket, looking smart

Rosie was a very different elephant

she was large, strong and gave rides

such a character seen around the zoo

blanket and howdah strapped to her sides

Christina and Wendy who lived together

taken for walks across the nearby Downs

for these two were amazing mammals

playful pachyderms in the zoo grounds

after losing Christina, Wendy was the last

people have missed them, that`s evident

Bristol Zoo rolls on to it`s next adventure 

that will hopefully include an new elephant!

(C) Lissie bull 2022