Animal Figure. Topsy was a domesticated elephant with the Forepaugh Circus at Coney Island's Luna Park. She had killed three men in as many years, although it was undoubtedly because her trainers severely abused her. She was deemed a threat to people by her owners, and they discussed several means of execution. It was decided that electrocution would be most expedient. Thomas Edison is often blamed for this as part of the so-called War of the Currents, but in reality, he had nothing to do with it. A film crew from Edison was on hand and shot a movie, but the War of the Currents was well over by the time this poor creature met her fate. The Humane Society handled this execution and did what it could to make sure it was done humanely. She was fed carrots with a pound of potassium cyanide to ensure success, and she died within seconds of administering 6600 volts. Portions of the movie have appeared in several recent movies and music videos, and the event was the inspiration for several songs and a novel.
Animal Figure. Topsy was a domesticated elephant with the Forepaugh Circus at Coney Island's Luna Park. She had killed three men in as many years, although it was undoubtedly because her trainers severely abused her. She was deemed a threat to people by her owners, and they discussed several means of execution. It was decided that electrocution would be most expedient. Thomas Edison is often blamed for this as part of the so-called War of the Currents, but in reality, he had nothing to do with it. A film crew from Edison was on hand and shot a movie, but the War of the Currents was well over by the time this poor creature met her fate. The Humane Society handled this execution and did what it could to make sure it was done humanely. She was fed carrots with a pound of potassium cyanide to ensure success, and she died within seconds of administering 6600 volts. Portions of the movie have appeared in several recent movies and music videos, and the event was the inspiration for several songs and a novel.
Bio by: Big Ern
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