Henry, sometimes referred to as the Fénykövi elephant after the Hungarian game hunter Josef J. Fénykövi who killed him, was the largest elephant ever recorded. Weighing approximately 11 tons and standing over 13 feet (3.96 meters) tall, Henry surpassed all known living elephants. He was shot in Angola in 1955, and his impressive body was donated to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in 1959. Henry’s extraordinary size captivated researchers and the public alike, serving as a crucial reminder of the importance of elephant conservation. His legacy not only highlights the majestic nature of these animals but also underscores the threats they face in their natural habitats today.
Henry: The Largest Elephant Ever Recorded and a Symbol of Conservation Efforts
Henry, the largest elephant ever measured, has been a prominent feature in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History since 1959. This impressive African bush elephant, weighing approximately 11 tons and standing over 13 feet tall, is sometimes referred to as the Fénykövi elephant, named after the Hungarian game hunter Josef J. Fénykövi who donated the hide. More affectionately known as Henry, this extraordinary specimen represents the grandeur of elephants and highlights the importance of their conservation.
When Henry was first unveiled at the United States National Museum of Natural History in 1959, attendees were in awe of his remarkable size. Henry quickly became a significant attraction, highlighting the grandeur of elephants and emphasizing the need for their conservation. Notably, later examinations revealed an old-fashioned slug from a flintlock pistol embedded in his leg, suggesting that he may have been nearly 100 years old when Hungarian game hunter Josef J. Fénykövi killed him. This intriguing detail adds depth to Henry’s story, offering insights into his long life and the challenges he (and in general, all the elephants) faced in the wild.
In 2015, Henry underwent a careful restoration, where he was cleaned and patched with specially crafted hand-colored beeswax. The redesign of his display platform included an information desk, providing visitors with insights into African elephant ecology, the ongoing threat of poaching, and their significance in the geological timeline. Notably, the new platform also unveiled a previously hidden inlaid compass on the Rotunda floor, enhancing the exhibit’s educational value.
Henry’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation efforts, particularly as elephants face numerous threats in the wild today. As a vital part of the ecosystem, elephants contribute to maintaining the health of their habitats, making it essential to protect these majestic creatures for future generations.
Related: 20 Amazing Elephant Facts
Sources
- “Here at the Smithsonian: Tusks and Tentacles” on the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History website
- “African Bush Elephant” on the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History website
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