Few stories are as perplexing and tragic as that of Mary the elephant. In 1916, Mary, a five-ton Asian elephant with the Sparks World Famous Shows circus, was sentenced to death by hanging in the small town of Erwin, Tennessee.
Her crime? The fatal trampling of her inexperienced handler, Red Eldridge. The incident shocked the nation, raising questions about animal treatment, human responsibility and the morality of punishing an animal for its actions.
Mary’s story is not just one of tragedy but also a lens into the complex and often fraught relationship between humans and elephants. These intelligent and emotional animals have been a part of human culture for centuries—as companions, workers and performers.
Her killing forced humans to confront the ethical dilemmas of exploiting a majestic and sentient wild animal for our entertainment and the consequences when things go wrong.
The Late Summer Day In 1916 When Mary Went ‘Berserk’
The events leading up to Mary’s execution began on September 11, 1916. Walter “Red” Eldridge, an itinerant hotel worker, had been hired as an elephant handler a day prior despite having no experience or training with elephants, setting the stage for disaster.
While leading Mary through the small town of Kingsport, Tennessee, as part of a parade, Eldridge reportedly struck her with a bullhook—a sharp instrument often used to control elephants (see image below).
Witnesses claimed that Mary, likely in pain or frustration, reacted violently. She seized Eldridge with her trunk, slammed him to the ground and crushed his skull under her foot.
The aftermath was chaotic. One man allegedly unloaded his pistol into Mary, only to find that the bullets were incapable of penetrating her thick hide.
Spectators, horrified by the sight, demanded justice for the handler and chanted “Kill the elephant!” Newspapers sensationalized the story, dubbing Mary a “murderous beast.” The circus owners, fearing a loss of business, quickly declared that Mary would be executed to appease the public.
What followed was grotesque: The 22-year-old elephant, who came to be known as “Murderous Mary,” was hanged from a railroad crane in front of a crowd of 2,500 people. The gruesome execution was meant to serve as both punishment and deterrent, though it left many questioning the morality of the act.
Erwin’s Quest For Redemption
Erwin, the town where the execution took place, became infamous for this incident. Since then, however, it has made significant efforts to distance itself from the hanging.
In 2016, the 100th anniversary of Mary’s hanging, Erwin started an annual weeklong series of events to celebrate elephants. That first year, the town paid around $9,000 for local artists to paint eight fiberglass elephants that were auctioned off.
The proceeds went to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, a non-profit that has cared for elephants retired from zoos and circuses for around 30 years and is around a six-hour drive from Erwin.
Community members have since organized events to honor elephants and raise awareness about their conservation. Murals and education programs now highlight the importance of treating animals with dignity.
Elephants And Their Complex Relationship With Humans
Mary’s story is just one chapter in a long and complicated history of human-elephant interactions. Elephants have been revered in various cultures, symbolizing strength, wisdom and spirituality. In Asia, for example, elephants have been used in religious ceremonies and as working animals for centuries.
They are incredibly intelligent and social animals. Studies have shown that they possess self-awareness, form deep familial bonds and exhibit behaviors indicative of grief and empathy.
However, their use in circuses and other forms of entertainment has often led to mistreatment. The same intelligence and size that make them awe-inspiring also make them challenging to manage in captivity. The usage of tools like bullhooks and chains often leads to physical and psychological harm, as we saw in Mary’s case.
On the bright side, recent movements advocating for the ethical treatment of animals have led to significant changes. Many circuses have stopped using elephants in performances and sanctuaries like The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee have been established to provide retired elephants with a safe and natural environment to live their free years.
Mary The Elephant’s Legacy Lives On
Mary’s tragic story continues to resonate more than a century later. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of misunderstanding and mistreating animals. Her tale has inspired debates on animal rights and prompted reforms in how we interact with captive animals.
While her death was a harrowing injustice, her legacy has contributed to a growing awareness of the need for compassion and respect for all creatures.
Did reading about an elephant who was killed because of public furor make you feel despondent? Do you care deeply about animals and how we share our planet with them? Take this test and find how in tune you are with nature: Connectedness to Nature Scale
