Lucy the Elephant Gets New Tail

Lucy's been waiting for insurance money since tent struck elephant's butt

Repairs are under way on the world's largest elephant.

Lucy the Elephant, the 65-feet tall National Historic Landmark in Margate, N.J., sustained wind damage to its 14-foot tail in 2009.

Workers on Tuesday began removing tin sheathing and cedar planks to assess the damage.

Save Lucy Committee director Richard Helfant told The Press of Atlantic City they'll know whether the whole tail needs to be rebuilt or parts could be salvaged once they look inside.

Lucy was built by a real estate developer and has stood as a Jersey Shore landmark in Margate since 1881.

Officials have been waiting for an insurance company to approve repairs since winds uprooted a tent that struck the elephant's butt.

The hope is to have Lucy in tiptop shape for the unofficial start of summer -- Memorial Day Weekend.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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