Packy Turns the Big 5-0!

April 14, 1962 was an historical day for the Portland Zoo, in Portland, Oregon.  That was the day Belle, an elephant at the zoo, gave birth to a baby boy.

This elephant wasn't any ordinary new addition to the zoo however, this baby was special, not just in Portland, but all over the nation.  This baby was the first Asian elephant to be born in the western hemisphere in 44 years.

From the time news of Belle's impending delivery was made public,  it was the talk of the town and the entire United States.  All types of contests were held, and the hoopla continued through the birth and beyond.

Once the baby pachyderm was born, (weighing in at 225 pounds and 35 inches tall), a name was picked for him from thousands of public entries.  The winning name was "Packy",  submitted by Wayne French of Gresham, Oregon. French won a portable stereo for his contribution.

Another contest winner was Lucille Fraizer of St. Helens, Oregon.  Fraizer wrote a song for the new elephant, that was later recorded by local celebrity, Heck Harper.

Every year since his birth, Packy has had a birthday party held in his honor at the zoo he was born and raised in.  This year is especially important, since Packy turns the big 5-0 in 2012.

A lot has happened in the 50 years since Packy made his debut.  The Portland Zoo was renamed Washington Park Zoo; then renamed it's current title of The Oregon Zoo.

Packy grew up to be one of, if not the, largest Asian elephant in captivity; and also fathered baby elephants of his own.

While the sensationalism surrounding Packy and his birth may have tapered off throughout the U.S. over the years, in Portland, Oregon Packy is still a big deal, and not just in size.

So, here's wishing Packy, the most famous elephant in captivity, a very happy birthday, and many more to come!