He was a drunk mascot!
A most conspicuous mascot was the elephant of the 78th Highlanders (later Seaforth Highlanders), acquired in Ceylon in 1838. “The Elephant” was thought appropriate as it commemorated the Battle of f Assaye in 1803. The elephant was brought home to Scotland, where it marched with the band, much to everyone’s delight. Unfortunately, his keeper, a Pvt. McIntosh, was fond of his wee drams of whisky and allowed the mascot to indulge as well. The elephant took to the habit, developed a mean disposition and had to be “transferred” to the Zoological Society of Edinburgh.