Leo the Lion - a Copilot?
Do you know the lion that appears before you watch an MGM film? That is Leo. Can you imagine being stuck in an airplane with just him?
This is what happened to Martin Jensen.
Martin Jensen was chosen by MGM studios to fly Leo from San Diego to New York.
They modified a plane that had shorter wings and extra fuel, food, and water for Leo.
Jenson left San Diego but five hours later, he got stuck in a box canyon in what is now Hellsgate Wilderness, near Payson, Arizona. He ended up landing since he knew it would be difficult to fly out of the canyon. Unfortunately, the wings and some of the gears were torn off when he landed.
Jensen gave the lion some food and water and then went searching for help. Four days later, he finally found some cowboys that led him to a telephone. MGM's first question to Jensen was, "How is the lion?"
Luckily, Leo was returned in good health.
The canyon used to be known as "Hell's Canyon" but it is now called "Leo Canyon" in honor of Leo.
Do you know the lion that appears before you watch an MGM film? That is Leo. Can you imagine being stuck in an airplane with just him?
This is what happened to Martin Jensen.
Martin Jensen was chosen by MGM studios to fly Leo from San Diego to New York.
They modified a plane that had shorter wings and extra fuel, food, and water for Leo.
Jenson left San Diego but five hours later, he got stuck in a box canyon in what is now Hellsgate Wilderness, near Payson, Arizona. He ended up landing since he knew it would be difficult to fly out of the canyon. Unfortunately, the wings and some of the gears were torn off when he landed.
Jensen gave the lion some food and water and then went searching for help. Four days later, he finally found some cowboys that led him to a telephone. MGM's first question to Jensen was, "How is the lion?"
Luckily, Leo was returned in good health.
The canyon used to be known as "Hell's Canyon" but it is now called "Leo Canyon" in honor of Leo.
"Leo the MGM Lion's Ryan Brougham" 1927 San Diego Air and Space Museum Archive
"Leo the MGM Lion's Ryan Brougham" 1927 San Diego Air and Space Museum Archive
"Leo the MGM Lion's Ryan Brougham" 1927 San Diego Air and Space Museum Archive
"Leo the MGM Lion's Ryan Brougham" 1927 San Diego Air and Space Museum Archive
Source posted by Julia
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