In July 1923, Enoggera became the site of one of the most extraordinary spectacles in local history: the dramatic execution of a circus elephant named Cardie, who had attacked his trainer during a performance, shocking the community.
Cardie’s Rise and Fall
Cardie was no ordinary elephant. A towering presence at Wirth’s Circus, he was the pride of the troupe, known for his jaw-dropping strength and impressive tricks. Over his 25 years with the circus, Cardie had grown from a young, five-year-old elephant into a veteran performer, capable of pulling railway carriages and hauling loads of over 35 tons. His feats amazed audiences across Australia.
But with age came unpredictability. In the days leading up to the tragedy, Cardie’s behaviour became erratic.
On a fateful Friday night in Brisbane, during a performance under the big top, he lashed out at his trainer, Mr Cooke, injuring him. The incident left the circus management shaken. George Wirth, the circus owner, lay awake that night, agonising over what to do. By morning, a grim decision had been made: Cardie would have to be destroyed.
Photo Credit: University of Queensland
A Procession Like No Other
What followed was a sight unlike anything Brisbane had ever seen. Early on Sunday morning, Cardie was led out of the city, crossing Victoria Bridge and ambling through the streets, accompanied by his keeper, Victor Lee. The destination: a secluded paddock near Kedron Brook in Enoggera.
As news of the plan spread, a crowd of curious onlookers began to gather, swelling to over a thousand by the time Cardie reached his final stop. Children and adults alike followed the procession, some out of concern, others out of fascination. For many, it was a rare chance to witness such a massive creature up close, even under tragic circumstances.
The Final Act
At the paddock, Cardie was secured to a tree with heavy chains. Two police officers, Constable Ben Hall and Constable James Egan, were assigned the unenviable task of carrying out the execution. Both men were experienced marksmen, and their orders were clear: ensure a swift and humane death.
At the signal of the circus manager’s whistle, Egan fired the first shot, hitting Cardie in the brain and causing him to collapse. Hall followed immediately, aiming for the heart. The elephant, who had entertained countless audiences, sank to the ground and lay still. To ensure no suffering, several additional shots were fired.
Mr Cardie’s keeper for eight years and the man who shared the closest bond with him, couldn’t bear to watch. Moments before the shots were fired, he walked away from the scene, heartbroken.
A Grim Aftermath
The following day, Cardie’s massive body was taken to Alderley, where butchers began the long process of dissection. Witnesses described it as a gruesome scene, with the work taking hours to complete.
Cardie’s remains, including his skeleton and skin, were donated to the Queensland Museum, where they were intended for educational display. Even in death, the elephant’s legacy would continue, offering insights into one of the largest creatures ever to perform in Australia.
Even nearly a century later, the events in Enoggera remain a fascinating chapter in local history, a reminder of the complex relationships humans have with the animals they tame and treasure.
Published 6-January-2025