BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) \u2014 A beloved 55-year-old Asian elephant at the Wildlife Conservation Society\u2019s Bronx Zoo has passed away.<\/p>\n
Happy, who arrived at the Bronx Zoo in 1977, was euthanized due to progressive, age-related health conditions, the Wildlife Conservation Society announced on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Discover more local reporting on our homepage <\/a><\/p>\n Craig Piper, the Interim Bronx Zoo Director and Executive Vice President for Wildlife Conservation Society Zoos and Aquariums, sent a statement that reads in part:<\/p>\n \u201cWe are deeply saddened to report that Happy, who was loved by staff and visitors at the Bronx Zoo for nearly 50 years, was euthanized on Tuesday, May 26. Following ongoing assessments of her condition and quality of life, this difficult decision was made when it became clear that her age-related conditions had progressed. She died peacefully, surrounded by the keepers, curators, and veterinarians who have cared for her; some for more than 30 years.<\/p>\n \u201cHappy spent her final weeks having access to the elephant barn and outdoor yard spaces where she was most comfortable, with the choice of where she wanted to be. She continued to interact with her keepers during daily routines and remained under the attentive care of the staff members who knew her best.\u201d<\/p>\n Piper noted that testing found signs of potential declining kidney or liver function and large inoperable uterine tumors. Despite medical management and therapy, Happy\u2019s condition continued to worsen.<\/p>\n \u201cShe was a wonderful elephant,\u201d interim zoo director Craig Piper said in an interview Wednesday, as heavy-hearted staffers absorbed the loss of an animal some had tended for over 30 years. \u201cShe served as a tremendous ambassador for elephants and for elephant conservation.\u201d<\/p>\n This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press.<\/p>\n Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n