"Yasso"

MAIL0284, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. From Anonymous: Who originated the head carry? "Yasso" arrived at Sarasota Quarters in March of 1928 along with her trainer Gunga (an early version of Sabu the Elephant Boy). In those days the Ringling Show had five herds of elephants performing in the three rings and two stages. During all this, Gunga and "Yasso" did a routine on the front track, simply marching back and forth doing a variety of "carries" and closing with the "head carry" the first time done in this country and to great acclaim. Elephants had been trained to carry various objects in their mouths for decades and upon seeing this, everyone was anxious to give it a shot. Gunga didn't stay long and returned to Europe but Yasso" remained for many years. There was never a shortage of men in the elephant Dept. willing to attempt the "difficult and dangerous head-carry" and the best part was that along with the trick came the title "Major M.J. Unger". Above is a picture of "Yasso" with Erika Loyal.