Just before the turn of the 20th century. The date on this photo says 1890. Imagine seeing Lucy back then... ✨🐘

One of the most incredible parts of caring for Lucy is hearing from people all over the world who share their photos and memories through the years. ❤️🐘 Last week, we received this photo along with this note: "Not too sure when this was taken. I found it in an envelope of negatives my grandmother had at her house. I’m guessing it’s from the mid 50s when my family would come down to New Jersey for their annual vacation."

Happy Earth Day from all of us at Lucy! We are so grateful to call the beautiful Jersey Shore our home... the gorgeous beaches, the majestic ocean, and all the incredible wildlife! Let's keep it pristine for generations to come. 🌎🐘

Just a little Lucy to brighten your Monday! (OK, maybe not so little). 😂🐘

Long before smartphones and selfies, visitors traveled far and wide to gaze up at this larger-than-life landmark just as they do today! Some things change… but Lucy’s magic never does. ✨🐘

Every day, we are deeply grateful for the community of dreamers who came together to save our beloved Lucy from the wrecking ball all those years ago. Let’s make sure she is here for generations to come. Long live Lucy! ✨🐘

Wishing a very happy birthday to Lucy the Elephant’s Executive Director, Richard Helfant! 🎉 For more than two decades, Rich has ensured that Lucy has everything she needs to continue delighting generations to come. We are so grateful for his tireless leadership and unwavering dedication. Fun fact: Rich’s last name, Helfant, means “elephant” in Yiddish. A coincidence? We think not. ❤️🐘

Happy Friday, everyone! Who will we see this weekend? Weather looks perfect! ☀️🌊🐘

It's another beautiful spring day here at Lucy! Don't forget, we're now open 5 days a week, Wednesday through Sunday. So come on by and say hello! 🌼🌸🐘

On this day in 1882, Lucy made headlines for the very first time. An advertisement in The Philadelphia Inquirer proudly announced: “THE ELEPHANT is finished and open for visitors…”

As anyone who’s taken a tour of Lucy knows, she was built in 1881 by James V. Lafferty to attract prospective real estate buyers to the south end of Absecon Island. From her howdah, folks could take in sweeping views of South Atlantic City (now Margate), view available lots, and imagine their future by the shore. Lucy was designed to draw a crowd, and it worked!

More than a century later, Lucy is still capturing hearts, sparking curiosity, and standing as one of the most iconic roadside attractions in America. And it all started with that very first moment in print.

The first photo is the original article from April 5, 1882. The second is one of the earliest photos of Lucy taken in 1886. ✨🐘

Wishing everyone a Happy Passover and a Happy Easter from all of us at Lucy! 💜🐰🐘

April showers bring more Lucy HOURS! 🌼🌸🐘

A rare glimpse into the past... this beautifully weathered photo of Lucy, captured circa 1890, from our archives. Only nine years old then, but well on her way to becoming an icon! ✨🐘

Buds on the trees, birds in full chorus, and water ice shops are back open!! Spring has arrived at the Jersey Shore, and Lucy's got her eye on warmer days ahead! ☀️🐘