Happy birthday, Packy! Famed Oregon elephant turns 49

By KATU.com staff Published: Apr 14, 2011 at 5:00 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 14, 2011 at 9:39 AM PDT
Happy birthday, Packy! Famed Oregon elephant turns 49 »Play Video
Packy the elephant on his first birthday at the Oregon Zoo on April 14, 1963. The public will help celebrate Packy’s 49th birthday during the zoo’s annual Elephantastic festivities, April 16. Photo by Christina Christensen, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. - Packy, one of the oldest Asian elephants in the United States and an Oregon celebrity, will be turning 49 this month and the Oregon Zoo will be throwing a big birthday celebration.

On April 14, 1962, Packy's birth made international news because at the time he was the first elephant born in the Western Hemisphere in 44 years.

Newspapers and radio stations around the world announced the birth and Life magazine even published an 11-page spread.

Gifts flooded the zoo and visitors flocked to see the new pachyderm. >>> Share your videos and photos of Packy

The zoo will celebrate Packy's birthday on Saturday, April 16.

Visitors are invited to drop by between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for 'Elephantastic,' which will include games, crafts, elephant ears and more.

The event is free with zoo admission and visitors will be treated to free birthday cake at noon.

Kids can also enter a drawing for a chance to help keepers deliver Packy's giant birthday cake.

A Few Packy Facts

  • Packy tips the scales at 12,550 pounds.
  • Packy stands 10 feet, 6 inches tall at the shoulder.
  • Packy has fathered seven calves, including 28-year-old Sung-Surin ("Shine") and Rama, both of whom currently live at the zoo.