This High Profile Delco Republican Once Stomped through Springfield Routinely

By

minnie, republican party symbol
Image via iStock.

Minnie the Elephant, a Delco Republican Party symbol, was retired in 2019 after 30 years of walking in the 4th of July parade in Delaware County, reported Erin McCarthy for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Springfield Republican Party chairman Michael Puppio said the decision was reached after discussion with scientific experts.

Stephanie Curson was shocked to learn that an elephant strolled in a parade near her hometown of Upper Darby. She started an online petition to cease the practice, called “Ban Use of Wild Animals in Springfield Township, Pa.”

More than 1,900 residents signed.

Puppio said the decision was not swayed by reactionary arguments or internet-fueled outrage but relied on rational, scientific conversations with professionals.

Minnie the Elephant

“Minnie’s participation in the parade was never meant to be divisive,” he said in a statement. “It was meant to be an oversized display of our pride in our township and country, and for many years was viewed in that fashion “.

The Philadelphia Zoo closed its elephant exhibit in 2007. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus stopped using elephants in shows in 2016.

Minnie is owned by the Connecticut-based traveling petting zoo, Commerford Zoo, according to the animal advocacy group Nonhuman Rights Project and the zoo’s website.

Read more about Minnie the Elephant at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Editor’s Note: This post first appeared July 31, 2019.

_____

What’s the history behind an elephant as the symbol for the Republican Party?

Stay Connected, Stay Informed

Subscribe for great stories in your community!

"*" indicates required fields

Hidden
MT Yes
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Advertisement