Lily Tomlin doesn’t know who she’s messing with here.

The comedian and animal-rights activist has stepped in it big time with her demand that Portland, Ore.’s zoo send Packy the Elephant somewhere else to live out the rest of his life.

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2013/12/lily_tomlin_vs_oregon_zoo_poll.html#incart_m-rpt-2

The Oregonian newspaper did an online poll on the question of whether the Oregon Zoo should keep its elephants. The overwhelming majority of those responding to the admittedly non-scientific poll said the zoo should keep the elephants.

Let’s go back about, oh, 51 years. Portland is my hometown. I was very much aware of the world when Packy was born in my native city. He was the first elephant born in captivity in the United States in 44 years. His birth put Portland and its zoo on the international map.

Packy became an instant international celebrity. People came from around the world to gawk at the then-little guy. He has become synonymous with the zoo.

Packy is now 51 years of age. He figures to live a couple more decades. Portland isn’t going to give up its elephant population. And why should it? The beasts are pampered, babied and live incredibly sheltered lives at the Oregon Zoo.

Lily Tomlin means well and I don’t begrudge her for wanting what she believes is best for the zoo’s elephant family. But come on! Packy leave Portland? You can’t be serious.