Happy, an Asian elephant who became famous for groundbreaking research and a major animal rights court case, has died at the age of 55 at the Bronx Zoo in New York.
The zoo announced that Happy was euthanized after several age-related health problems became much worse in recent weeks. According to zoo officials, veterinarians found signs of kidney or liver failure, severe arthritis and large uterine tumors during a necropsy.
Happy had lived at the Bronx Zoo for almost 50 years. She arrived in the United States as a one-year-old calf from Thailand in 1977. She was named after one of the dwarfs from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Zoo staff described her as intelligent and curious. Keepers said she enjoyed treats such as watermelon and strawberries and sometimes hid snacks in her ear to eat later.
Elephant mirror study
In 2005, Happy became internationally known after a scientific study on self-awareness in elephants. Researchers found that she could recognize herself in a mirror, something previously seen in only a small number of animal species.
During the study, Happy repeatedly touched a painted mark above her eye after seeing it in the mirror. This suggested she understood the reflection was her own body.
Center of historic animal rights lawsuit
Happy also became the focus of a major legal battle about animal rights and captivity.
In 2018, the Nonhuman Rights Project filed a lawsuit arguing that Happy should legally be recognized as a “person” and moved to an elephant sanctuary. Activists argued that elephants are highly intelligent and social animals and said Happy suffered from isolation at the zoo.
Bronx Zoo officials defended her care and said moving her away from her longtime home could harm her wellbeing. New York’s highest court later rejected the lawsuit.
Debate over elephants in zoos continues
Happy’s death comes as debate continues around keeping elephants in zoos.
Animal rights groups argue that zoos cannot provide enough space for animals that naturally travel long distances and live in complex social groups. Some zoos around the world have already ended elephant exhibits.
Others say zoos help educate the public about wildlife conservation and provide important care for aging animals.
Happy’s death leaves Patty, a 57-year-old elephant, as the only remaining elephant at the Bronx Zoo.
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