At just five years old, Ellie the Elephant has already cemented her status as a New York icon — and on June 1, the beloved New York Liberty mascot celebrated her birthday in unforgettable fashion.
With the Barclays Center buzzing ahead of the Liberty’s sold-out game against the Connecticut Sun, Ellie stole the spotlight from the moment she arrived. She entered in a custom outfit designed by David Dalrymple, who also created her glamorous costume for a special halftime performance.
At the half, Ellie took to the court for a birthday-themed dance routine. She was joined by the Lil’ Torches dance team and a group of children ages 5 to 17 who had participated in a dance clinic earlier in the week. Together, they performed to some of Ellie’s favorite songs.
But the birthday celebrations weren’t confined to the court.
Fans had plenty of opportunities to join in the fun. Outside the arena, Shake Shack hosted a pregame party, while the Brooklyn Public Library’s Bookmobile offered free Ellie bookmarks and a chance to make birthday cards for the guest of honor. Inside, the first 9,000 fans received commemorative rally towels.
For those looking to dress like Ellie, her iconic “Herzey” dress — designed by Rare Breed BX — was available for purchase in sizes for all ages at Brooklyn Fanatics.
Even Pinterest got in on the celebration. In honor of its first-ever sports partnership with the Liberty, announced May 29, the platform sent Ellie a birthday cake decorated with the phrase “Gemini Szn.”
The game also featured other special experiences, including limited-edition “Big Ellie Birthday” prints designed by Brooklyn artist Ana Inciardi, available at mini print vending machines. Section 23 of the arena hosted birthday activations such as face painting, themed photo booths and more.
And what’s a party without special guests? Many of Ellie’s mascot friends joined the celebration, including Double Play from the New York Rise, Jonathan the Husky from UConn, Ramses from Fordham, and Sparky and Nyisles from the New York Islanders.
The event was more than just a birthday party — it was a testament to Ellie’s popularity and her strong bond with Liberty fans.
Over the past year, she has emerged as a breakout star in her own right. During the Liberty’s 2024 championship run, Ellie made national headlines for her social media content, dance moves and trendy outfits. With nearly 300,000 combined followers on TikTok and Instagram, she continues to captivate fans beyond the Barclays Center, bringing a fresh wave of energy to the WNBA.
Ellie’s rise isn’t just measured in follower counts or headlines — it’s the connection she builds with fans that sets her apart.
“When you see Ellie, you feel like you’ve known her for years,” Criscia Long, senior director of entertainment for the Liberty told Brooklyn Paper last summer. “It’s like an almost indescribable feeling, and it truly comes from this genuine desire that Ellie has to create those moments with the fans.”
