Jumbo was the biggest elephant in captivity. Due to this, American showman P. T. Barnum wanted Jumbo in his circus, eventually buying the elephant in 1882 for $10,000. Jumbo's sale initiated public outrage in Britain, and drew notice around the world. The British objected to the sale, and wrote letters to Queen Victoria urging that Jumbo remain in London. "Jumbomania", a fad for all things Jumbo, was born at this time. The western world was flooded with Jumbo neckties, jewelry, soaps, and other ornaments and souvenirs.