Bronx Zoo elephant “Happy” strolls inside the zoo’s Asia Habitat in New York, Oct. 2, 2018.
Bebeto Matthews/AP
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Bebeto Matthews/AP
NEW YORK — Happy, a well-known elephant at the Bronx Zoo, was euthanized at 55. Her life and behavior offered researchers significant insights, and she was at the center of a major animal rights case, according to the zoo’s announcement on Wednesday.
Happy was euthanized on Tuesday after living at the zoo for nearly 50 years. Zoo officials noted that age-related health issues had worsened recently, with symptoms indicating kidney or liver problems. The necropsy showed arthritis and large, inoperable uterine tumors, which are undetectable in elephants through standard exams or imaging.
“She was a remarkable elephant,” stated interim zoo director Craig Piper during an interview on Wednesday, as staff who had cared for her for over 30 years mourned. “She was an outstanding ambassador for both elephants and conservation efforts.”
Following Happy’s passing, 57-year-old Patty remains the Bronx Zoo’s only elephant on display. The Wildlife Conservation Society, which manages the zoo, ceased acquiring elephants two decades ago.
Happy was born in the wild in Asia and brought to the U.S. when she was one year old. She arrived at the Bronx Zoo in 1977 and was named after a character from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”
Happy was highly interactive with her keepers and easy to motivate with treats like watermelon or strawberries, explained Keith Lovett, the zoo’s director of animal programs. Piper added that Happy would sometimes hide treats in her ear for later.
In 2005, Happy demonstrated that elephants can recognize themselves in mirrors, a sign of self-awareness seen in few species. During a study, she repeatedly touched an “X” marked above her eye while looking in a mirror, indicating she could see the mark only through her reflection.
After her last companion died in 2006, Happy was kept separate from other elephants, Patty and Maxine, due to concerns about compatibility. Despite being separated, Lovett said they could still see, smell, and touch each other over a barrier. Maxine passed away in 2018.
The median life expectancy for Asian elephants in U.S. zoos is about 45 years, though it’s harder to determine for those in the wild, according to zoo officials.
Throughout Happy’s life, elephant exhibits in zoos faced increasing scrutiny. Critics argued urban zoos were too small for elephants, which naturally roam over large distances. Animal rights activists claimed that zoos were unsuitable for intelligent, social animals like elephants.
While some zoos decided to send elephants to sanctuaries, others continue to house and breed them, arguing that such exhibits inspire wildlife conservation efforts.
In 2018, the Nonhuman Rights Project sued the Bronx Zoo, seeking to have Happy recognized as a “person” legally and moved to a sanctuary. It was the first case of its kind involving an elephant, according to the group.
The activist group argued that Happy was an “extraordinarily cognitively complex and autonomous nonhuman being” and that she was unlawfully confined without other elephants for companionship.
Bronx Zoo officials maintained that Happy received excellent care and had opportunities for natural behaviors. They warned that relocating her from her familiar environment could be harmful.
The case reached New York’s top court, which dismissed the activists’ claim by a 5-2 vote. A similar decision was later made by Colorado’s highest court regarding elephants in a zoo there.
Despite the ruling, two New York judges expressed their disagreement, with one dissenting opinion describing Happy’s captivity as “inherently unjust and inhumane” and “an affront to a civilized society.”
The Nonhuman Rights Project continues to pursue cases for elephants in other states.
During her final weeks, Happy chose to stay in an off-exhibit barn and yard within her enclosure, according to Piper. In what was described as zoo hospice care, staff provided hydration, nutrition, and pain relief.
Meanwhile, Patty continues to thrive, the zoo reported.
The Wildlife Conservation Society stated in 2006 that if only one elephant remained, it might be transferred to another zoo if conditions allowed. Piper mentioned that any decision about moving Patty would be made with great consideration.
