And this one shall be remembered, now and forever. Today's story is about Hanako the elephant. A bit sad really.
I had to attend the Musashino campus today for a special university commemoration. It is an annual event. I was last here a couple of weeks ago for a special lecture and before that, after completing some chores, I headed to Inokashira Park for a walk, you might recall dear reader...
Anyway, in the last couple of weeks, a statue of Hanako the elephant has been unveiled near Kichikoji train station, where I was today.
Hanako died last year, aged 69 after approximately 67 years in captivity. She came to Japan from Thailand, aged two. She started out in Ueno Zoo, and ended up in Inokashira Zoo, where she died, just down the road.
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| The plaque |
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| All the wrinkles |
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| Stomp |
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| From afar |
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| Front on |
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| Ear, ear |
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| Trunk call |
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| Interesting, a clothes shop across the way had a story about Hanako |
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| Story board detail |
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| Campus colour |
Her captivity was not without controversy. After accidentally causing the death of a zookeeper, she was forever chained in her cage. She was dubbed the 'loneliest elephant' and there had been petitions for her release.
The stature is particularly realistic but I'm not quite sure why it has been placed here in the middle of the very busy station square. The park surely would have been nicer.
Anyway, Hanako will not be forgotten.
[Camera : Lumix TZ-85, 3.34pm-3.55pm; iPhone6S, 9.41am; 20 May 2017]
