GUTHRIE, Kentucky — The pink elephant in Guthrie, Kentucky, is a local landmark, standing in front of a convenience store and gas station.
At one point, Guthrie Mayor Scott Marshall asked the store owner to move the pachyderm, saying it would help with economic development. However, it was back in place by November 2011, along with a Holstein cow that was also relocated for a period; the sunglasses-wearing bovine stands nearby.
It seems lottery-playing customers complained about the elephant’s absence, which apparently coincided with a losing streak for customers.
“People who play the lottery are superstitious,” the owner told the Todd County Standard at the time.
According to one report, the elephant, which stands along U.S. Highway 41 in the Tiny Town community, was painted white by May 2021. However, the pachyderm has since been restored to its iconic pink hue.
“I’m glad it’s back because of the fact that it was so important for directions to go somewhere,” a local told the Todd County Standard after the elephant returned. “I loved that elephant.”
For his part, the mayor was less excited.
