Everyone knows Adventureland is home to jungle animals. From rhinos to barracudas to monkeys, there’s no shortage of wildlife within the Jungle Cruise. But did you know you can see your first elephant before you get near the waterfront? Let’s head over to Tropical Imports.
In the midst of boxes and imported goods above the building, you’ll spot the Jade Elephant. Sometimes called Penny, she’s not really jade. She’s a lucite mold, originally filled with pennies and came from Disneyland Paris. (though the pennies were removed before coming to the US!)
Source: Disney Wiki
The elephant’s first California home was the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street. I haven’t been able to find any concrete information on what year she took up residence in the ice cream shop, but she was removed in 2012 when the building went through a refurbishment project. For years, no one knew what became of the elephant. Until one day in 2016…
A long lost friend popped up in Adventureland. Now, the jade elephant quietly watches travelers pass through the jungle, usually glittering in the California sun.
I am so glad this found a new home, although I do VERY much miss the original Gibson Girl and Penny Arcade layout.
What a beautiful elephant!!! I never noticed her up there! (Quick revisit to photo hard drive to track down Adventureland architecture pics [I have LOADS!]) 😀
Haha right?! I came across her when reading a Disneyland trivia book and went…wait a second. I had so many pictures and didn’t even realize she was in them!