Bertha the Elephant: Sparks Casino’s Beloved Mascot and Performer
Apr 01, 2025 — by 775TimesTeam in 775Times, Articles
Sparks History 🐘
Bertha the Elephant used to cross the street near John Ascuaga’s Nugget on her way back to her home on the west side. Acquired in 1962 from a circus museum in Wisconsin for $8,000, Bertha quickly became the Nugget’s unofficial mascot. She performed nightly in the Celebrity Room, dazzling the audience with her impressive tricks and charming antics. Bertha’s presence at the Nugget was unique, making it the only casino in Nevada (and likely the country) to feature live elephants. Over the years, she was joined by other elephants, Tina and Angel, and together they entertained countless visitors and participated in community events. Bertha continued to perform until her death in 1999 at the age of 48, marking the end of an era for Sparks. #SpiritofSparks #sparks #nevada 📸 Sparks Museum ‘& Cultural Center
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