Vatican Elephant William Lawrence Sr Omnibit 2-8-18

Vatican Elephant William Lawrence Sr Omnibit 2-8-18
Elephants can sometimes be seen in Springfield too.

Hanno was the Vatican elephant. He was white and given as a gift by King Manuel I of Portugal to Pope Leo X in 1514. He was a favorite and featured in many processions. He became constipated, however, and was given a laxative that killed him. It was a sad time. The great artist Raphael designed the memorial fresco and the Pope himself composed the epitaph.

Hanno is buried under the Vatican courtyard.

Vatican Elephant William Lawrence Sr Omnibit 2-8-18