State papers reveal jumbo-sized dispute over cost of transporting elephant

A diplomatic row broke out between Irish and Tanzanian officials over who should pay the costs of shipping the animal back to Ireland. Picture: Michael Sohn/AP

Irish diplomats were left with a jumbo-sized problem over 40 years ago after president Patrick Hillery was given a gift of a real elephant while on a visit to Tanzania.

State papers reveal a diplomatic row broke out between Irish and Tanzanian officials over who should pay the costs of shipping the animal back to Ireland.