With a baby elephant on the way, we can't forget Packy!
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KATU stopped by the zoo this week - check out our photos from behind the scenes!
PORTLAND, Ore. - There's a new baby elephant on the way at the Oregon Zoo and the excitement is building now that Rose-Tu, the mama, is in the final stretch of her pregnancy.
It's officially elephant baby watch time and as we wait for the big event, let's have a little fun by stepping back in time - all the way back to April 14, 1962.
What happened on that date? Are you old enough to remember?
That's when Packy, the zoo's famous elephant that is known the world over, made his big debut at the Oregon Zoo.
At the time, he was the first elephant to be born in the Western hemisphere in 44 years. It was a momentous occasion and Packy became quite the celebrity. To this day, he remains a favorite at the zoo.
In Packy's honor, we're sharing some videos, starting with his big moment in the sun in 1962. Enjoy!
Packy Fever!
Happy 40th!
Packy Reaches the Half-Century Mark
KATU News Coverage of the Big Day
A Retrospective from the Oregon Zoo
Packy Chosen as Grand Marshal
One of Packy's Oldest Friends
Karla, I must disagree with you, I think they are happy to have free food and a place to sleep without danger of getting eaten...plus I gotta say you are totally hot, thanks for making me smile :)
How cruel it is to keep these animals in a pit their entire life. Oh yeah they are taken good are of....just like prisoners are given 3 hots and a cot.  So you maybe go your entire life not seeing a live elephant if it wasn't for zoos...BFD.