Fudgie The Whale Turns 40: Carvel’s Iconic Ice Cream Cake (PHOTOS)

If you live near one of Carvel’s several locations in New Jersey and have celebrated a birthday recently, there’s a good chance you’ve already met Fudgie the Whale.

On Thursday, June 1, “Fudgie” - Carvel’s iconic ice cream cake - will turn 40-years-old, according to a news release from the company.

Originally developed as a Father's Day dessert and inscribed with the message "For a Whale of a Dad,” the ice cream cake has acquired cult status. There are more than 50,000 Fudgie the Whale cakes are sold in Carvel shoppes each year, nearly equivalent to the weight of two humpback whales.

"Fudgie the Whale holds a special, nostalgic place in the hearts of many Americans across multiple generations," said Scott Colwell, president of Carvel.

In lieu of birthday gifts, Carvel and Fudgie the Whale are calling fans to action around a very special cause – saving other whales across the ocean. In honor of the milestone, Carvel is partnering with the non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization, Save the Whales, which is also celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Friends of Fudgie can send virtual birthday wishes to the lovable finback using #40YearsofFudgie or when they visit Carvel.com/FortyYearsofFudgie, where they can discover more about the mission of Save the Whales and learn how they can contribute to Carvel's fundraising efforts.

Carvel will be collecting donations to benefit Save the Whales starting June 1 to Sept. 30. Every $10 donated will serve as an entry to win free ice cream cakes for a year from Carvel. Donors who contribute $25 or more are eligible to receive a commemorative Fudgie the Whale plush toy.

Check out some of Fudgie’s greatest hits and different incarnations over the years below.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photos: Carvel