] Just found this on another site. It made me laugh out loud, even though it is about how Wombwell made a success out of exhibiting a dead elephant:

] In time Wombwell's enterprise became so successful that he had three different Menageries on tour at any one time. Naturally, he had his competitors, particularly a menagerist by the name of Atkins. For many years Wombwell and Atkins had both exhibited at St Bartholomew's Fair in London, and the rivalry between the men was intense. In 1836, Wombwell decided not to attend the fair has he had a previous booking in the north of England. However, when he heard that Atkins would be exhibiting at St. Bartholomew's he decided that he too must put in an appearance. Roads at that time were all but impassable, but by tremendous efforts Wombwell's collection travelled south and arrived in time for the opening of the fair in London.

] Unfortunately Wombwell's elephant was over-exercised by the journey and died the morning of their arrival in London. Atkins was delighted at this turn of events and immediately put up a huge canvas sign proclaiming The only live elephant in the fair! Wombwell, determined not to be outdone and ever the entrepreneur, replied with a large scroll bearing the words The only dead elephant in the fair! The public, realising that they could see a living elephant at any time, flocked to see and generally poke the dead one! Throughout the fair Atkins' menagerie was largely deserted much to his disgust.
]