Los Angeles - Scientists at the University of California unveiled "Project Jumbo" at a press meeting early yesterday morning.  The Mudpile was on hand to record the event which included members of the wild life society and other animal notables.

Project Jumbo is the code name for a medical/biological breakthrough which involves the creation of the first bionic elephant. Martha, a 3 year old Indian elephant, suffered severe injuries in a New Delhi elephant race. Elephant races are common in that country, and Martha was the first mortality in the nation's history. A finish line collision with an African bull elephant put Martha in a coma from which she never recovered. Her body was airlifted to the US in a B52 military aircraft where she underwent 46 hours of surgery at an undisclosed medical facility. In this procedure, Martha was equipped with a bionic leg, which can propel her through the jungle at speeds of 210 miles per hour. In addition, the leg will allow her to jump, something elephants cannot normally do. Martha was also fitted with titanium tusks, which are honed to a razor sharp edge, making her  one of the best armed animal on Earth.

The true miracle of the operation was the E.B.E. - the elephant bionic eye. It weighs 27 pounds and has numerous features including x-ray vision, night vision and a 300 power digital zoom lens. The total cost of the bionic integration is confidential, but sources claim it is in excess of 36 million dollars. The funding for this project has not been determined.

Government officials in India have stated that the future of elephant races will have to be reassessed and perhaps banned as the national sport.

Above: Scientist works on bionic elephant eye

"This is not any ordinary eye...
- it's loaded with features..."

                               Dr. Samuel Cherney
                                           Elephant Research Institute
                                                                                                  

" We're going to make this Elephant better, stronger and faster ! "
                                                Dr. Lucy Brisson
                                                            Zoologist                       

" I'll protest the ban of elephant races even if I have to go to the United Nations !!

     Baharishee Mudjathizeen
                      Indian Elephant Racing Association

" I never saw her coming. When we collided, it was as if I had hit an oncoming freight train...I sure hope Martha's gonna be ok..."

     Hamudjhan Katchineechee
   Rider of African Bull elephant which collided with Martha