Abdul Karim

1: Salt (trainer to 1952)

Marie Edwards recalled: “Salt became trapped in the silt and mud of the lake. “We called in a crane, and a chain was wrapped around her neck to pull her out. “But she became exhausted. People fed her sugar to keep her energy levels up but it didn’t work and she died three days later.”

The death of Salt had a great impact on Marie’s family. She said: “My stepfather Abdul Karim was blamed for the accident and was given the sack. “I don’t think it was his fault but nobody knew what to do. They had never had to rescue an elephant before.”

I am the granddaughter of prince Abdul Karim, although he is dead now he alway spoke of his time with salt an sauce, an travelin with his wife and children, whom one is my mother, we have photos, is also printed in the book the images of canterbury, and the images of coventry. my grandad was the main elephant trainer to salt an sauce, and also an acrobat in ringlands circus, he left the circus after the tragic death of his beloved elephant, if you need to contact me please do, my family an me are very interested in your story, thank you.

Lesley Coleman