Story: Taranaki region

Ferdinand the bull

Ferdinand the bull has been a Taranaki rugby mascot since the 1950s. He has appeared in a number of guises. This smoke-exhaling version is 'Big Ferdie',  built for a 2005 match against the British and Irish Lions. In the audio clip, Taranaki rugby supporters sing of Ferdinand’s talents, to the tune of ‘Robin Hood’. The song ends with a suitably awe-inspiring bull roar.

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Taranaki Daily News
Photograph by Trevor Read

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Sound file courtesy of Radio Taranaki

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How to cite this page:

Ron Lambert, 'Taranaki region - Sport and recreation', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/music/25353/ferdinand-the-bull (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Ron Lambert, updated 1 Aug 2015