NEW YORK (TNND) — The Bronx Zoo announced the death of Happy, its beloved Asian elephant who spent almost a half-century at the New York attraction and became one of its most recognizable residents.
Zoo officials on Thursday said Happy was euthanized a few days prior after a period of hospice care as veterinarians and animal care staff managed a series of progressive age-related health issues.
Happy showed signs of a falloff in kidney or liver function, with a necropsy revealing arthritis and large, inoperable uterine tumors that are impossible to diagnose in elephants through exams or imaging, the Zoo said.
“We are deeply saddened to share that our Asian elephant, Happy, who lived at the Bronx Zoo for nearly 50 years and was loved by staff and visitors, has been euthanized,” the Zoo said in a statement shared on Facebook.”This difficult decision was made following ongoing assessments of Happy’s condition and quality of life. She died peacefully surrounded by her keepers, curators, and veterinarians who have cared for her; some for more than 30 years. Their longstanding, deep relationships were invaluable to her care throughout her life,” according to the post.
Zoo officials noted that Happy was 55 years old, adding that the median life expectancy for female Asian elephants in North American zoos is approximately 45 years, making Happy’s lifespan longer than average.
Born in the wild in Asia, Happy was brought to the U.S. as a 1-year-old. She was named for a character from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” before arriving at the Zoo in 1977.
She became one of the Zoo’s most popular animals and served as an ambassador for Asian elephants, helping educate generations of visitors about the species and the conservation challenges elephants face in the wild.
In 2005, she showed researchers that elephants can recognize themselves in a mirror — a sign of self-awareness seen in only a few other species. During the experiment, Happy faced her reflection and repeatedly used her trunk to touch an “X” painted above her eye, a mark she could see only in the mirror.
Happy gained national attention in recent years as the focus of legal efforts seeking to have her recognized as a person under the law and transferred to an elephant sanctuary. Courts ultimately rejected those efforts, allowing her to remain at the Bronx Zoo.
The Zoo said its other Asian elephant, Patty, is doing well at age 57. Officials said future decisions regarding Patty’s care will be based on her individual welfare needs and established professional standards.
Meanwhile, the Zoo is remembering Happy.
“Happy’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of meeting her,” the Zoo said. “She was an incredible ambassador for her species, inspiring millions of visitors to care about Asian elephants and their conservation.”
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EDITOR’S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.