Charlie the elephant was the star attraction at the short-lived Craigend Castle Zoo, which operated in Milngavie, near Milngavie, Glasgow, in the 1950s. Charlie, along with his keeper Singh Ibrahim, lived in the stables of the castle and were inseparable. One notable story involves Charlie following Ibrahim to a Milngavie pub, where he got stuck in the doorway, requiring the fire brigade to free him. 

Here's a more detailed look at Charlie's story:

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• Craigend Castle Zoo:

  The zoo, located on the Craigend Estate, was established in 1948 by zoo keeper Andrew Wilson and his son, zoologist William Wilson. It featured a diverse collection of animals, including lions, tigers, and Charlie the elephant. 

• Charlie and Singh:

  Charlie resided in the stable block with his keeper, Singh Ibrahim. The pair were known for their close bond. 

• The Pub Incident:

  A well-known anecdote involves Ibrahim going for a drink in a Milngavie pub. He was unaware that Charlie was following at a safe distance. The elephant's presence was revealed when he attempted to enter the pub and got stuck in the doorway, necessitating the fire brigade's intervention. 

• Zoo's Decline and Closure:

  The zoo faced financial difficulties, and the local transport company eventually withdrew its bus service, leading to a drop in visitors and the eventual closure of the zoo in 1955. 

• Charlie's Legacy:

  Even after the zoo closed, Charlie's memory persisted. A pub named "Charlie's Loft" opened in Milngavie, paying homage to the iconic elephant. Nods to Charlie, such as carved wooden elephant heads and elephant door handles, are also found throughout the area.