Packy the elephant named Rose Parade Grand Marshal

Posted: Updated:

By FOX 12 Webstaff - email

Photo Courtesy: Michael Durham / Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) -

Packy the elephant has been named Grand Marshal of the 2012 Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade.

The beloved elephant turned 50 years old on Saturday at the Oregon Zoo. He's the oldest Asian male elephant in America and one of the Oregon Zoo's favorite animals.

Packy's birth in 1962 made international news because he was the first elephant born in the Western Hemisphere in 44 years.

Rose Festival President Sue Bunday named Packy the Grand Marshal on Saturday just before the Royal Rosarians bestowed knighthood on the elephant.

"We're honored that the Rose Festival is recognizing Packy in this way - and we're really looking forward to this year's parade," said Kim Smith, Oregon Zoo director.

Packy will not be able to actually ride in the parade, but the Rose Festival plans to make sure his footprint is all over the Saturday, June 9 parade, which is being televised live on FOX 12.

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Packy the elephant named Rose Parade Grand Marshal - KPTV - FOX 12

Packy the elephant named Rose Parade Grand Marshal

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