http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/topsy-elephant-slain-thomas-edison-article-1.1385182
"Topsy" was kept by the Forepaugh Circus and spent her last years in the "Luna Park" of Coney Island, where she was abused many times.
On January 4, 1903, Edison publicly electrocuted an elephant named "Topsy" to show "the dangers of AC" (alternating current)
He wanted to discredit George Westinghouse and Nicola Tesla who were performing the AC (alernating current), while Edison defended his DC (direct current) idea (which didn't succeed).
Edison didn't want to switch his electrical systems to AC power for two reasons: First, it would be costly and second, because it would be a blow to Edison's pride. Adding insult to injury, Edison refused to give Tesla the bonus he had promised for improving the DC power system. In response, Tesla quit and dedicated his time to improving his own AC system.
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