When Elephants Splashed in Swansea Bay 🐘

What’s big, grey, and once made a splash at Swansea Bay - literally? If you were walking along the front in 1991, you might have seen it.

This week, enjoy the curious tale of how elephants ended up paddling in the bay, plus a fascinating glimpse at the history of travelling circuses in Swansea.

Catch you on Sunday!
Andrew.

A herd of African elephants decided Swansea beach was the perfect spot for their morning swim back in November 1991, giving early walkers more than a slight surprise.

Locals couldn't believe what they were seeing as the enormous animals strolled casually across Mumbles Road and onto the beach. The Evening Post reported that one quick-thinking man spotted them, then ran to grab his camera as one of the elephants wandered curiously in his direction.

Meanwhile, Bully, the smallest of the group, showed she had the right idea by using her bigger companions as a windbreak against the brisk winter breeze.

The elephants were in town as part of Gerry Cottle’s Circus, which was based on the recreation ground at St Helens, and this breakfast-time swim was all part of their fitness regime. Keepers Jane and trainer Malcolm Peters kept a watchful eye as the elephants enjoyed their seaside dip.

At the time Gerry Cottle’s elephants swam in Swansea Bay, he was a well‑known impresario who had built Britain’s largest touring circus. He often used stunts such as the above seaside swims and parading animals through town to promote his shows.

At its peak in the 1970s, Cottle's menagerie included five elephants, six lions, ten horses, ten monkeys, three camels and five llamas - and later he added tigers, chimpanzees and even polar bears.

However, by the late 1980s and early 1990s, animal welfare campaigners were challenging circuses that used animals. Scores of local authorities refused to host animal circuses, and public opinion polls showed strong support for banning wild‑animal acts.

Facing protests and financial problems, Cottle sold his last elephant in 1993 and reinvented himself by presenting the Moscow and Chinese State circuses, and he also co‑created the animal‑free Circus of Horrors. He later supported a ban on wild-animal circuses.

Swansea has played host to circuses for hundreds of years, where travelling menageries were regular attractions.

Perhaps the most famous circus-related story in Swansea that of Lizzie, the African elephant who ended up stuffed, placed in the entrance to Swansea Museum for decades - where she even managed to dodge World War 2 bombs.

Then there’s Herr Christoff - real name George Christopher - born in Swansea in 1826. He became one of the 19th century’s most daring tightrope walkers. Of African descent, he started performing as a child with his father and brother in street acts and travelling shows.

He went on to tour the world, from London to Australia, earning fame for his backflips on the high wire and being billed as “the greatest rope dancer in the world.”

Back in Swansea, the photo above shows circus parades on Victoria Road, most likely taken between 1895 and 1910, complete with horse‑drawn wagons and curious onlookers.

Meanwhile, the above image shows a circus parade along St Helen’s Road in the 1970s, passing the corner of Argyle Street.

In another story, local lore from St Peter's Church in Cockett tells of a lion tamer from Bostock & Wombwell's Menagerie who died in the city and was buried in the graveyard there - though whether he was eaten by a lion cannot be confirmed or denied!

What are your memories of the circus in Swansea? Let me know in the comments.

Catch you on Sunday!

Andrew.