Wind Damages New Jersey Landmark

October 16, 2009

Wind has caused at least $45,000 in damage to the world’s biggest elephant.

Lucy the Elephant has stood 65 feet tall as a Jersey shore landmark in Margate, New Jersey since 1881.

Strong winds last month uprooted a tent that struck the elephant’s butt, damaging 86 tin panels and it’s 14-foot-long tail.

Executive director Rich Helfant says the tourist attraction’s insurance has a $25,000 deductible for wind damage.

The tail has been bandaged while officials look for ways to make repairs.

The 128-year-old elephant was built by a real estate developer.