Why is there a giant Pink Elephant on the exit to De Forest??

Drive a few miles north of Madison on I-39/I-90 and you’ll come across a peculiar creature.

A giant pink elephant with thick-framed glasses.

 Image via Wisconsin Historical Markers

It’s been a fixture on exit 126 since the mid-1960s, and it’s captured the hearts of everyone passing by.

The story of the elephant affectionately named “Pinkie” isn’t all that impressive. According to the story of the pink elephant on the site, Pinkie was brought in “because the owner was looking for a way to make his gas station to stand out from the other stations on this intersection.”

Despite it’s simple origins, when Pinkie went missing for a short stint in 2014 people noticed.

The sudden and unannounced disappearance prompted huge concern from nearly every single regular customer at the gas station where it resides.

Locals first noticed the statue to be missing from the Hwy. V interstate exit on Nov. 1 and, with no signs of his return over the course of the week, dropped inside Shell gas station to get some answers.

“People came in [saying], “Man, where did the elephant go? Lots of customers,” owner Narinder Signh Mutti said.

Fortunately the answer to their questions was positive – Pinkie just needed some simple repairs done. The elephant returned shortly after.

If you’re heading towards the Wisconsin Dells area, it’s worth the stop to fill up your tank at the Shell gas station where Pinkie is located.

But if giant pink elephants aren’t your thing, worry not: just down the road is another giant animal display. Sissy the Cow proudly sits in front of Ehlenbach's Cheese Chalet.