Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

Mourning Happy: Bronx Zoo euthanizes beloved elephant at 55

By

Giulia Heyward

Published May 28, 2026

Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail

Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .

Happy the Elephant at the Bronx Zoo has died

 

Bronx Zoo

By

Giulia Heyward

Published May 28, 2026

Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail

We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

A 55-year-old Asian elephant who captured the hearts of those who saw her at the Bronx Zoo for decades has died.

The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo said it euthanized Happy the elephant on Tuesday after a period of hospice care.

Happy — who arrived at the zoo in 1977 — had been one of two Asian elephants, along with 57-year-old Patty.

The former started to receive hospice care after suffering from age-related health conditions and signs of potential declining kidney or liver function, according to the zoo.

She passed away surrounded by some of the keepers, curators and veterinarians who had been caring for her for decades, according to the zoo’s interim director, Craig Piper.

“Making the decision to euthanize an animal is one of the hardest and most heartbreaking responsibilities in animal care, requiring immense compassion and love for the animal,” Piper said in a statement.

A necropsy of the elephant showed large inoperable uterine tumors and signs of arthritis.

Public concern over the welfare of both Happy and Patty had followed the pair for decades. Last year, attorneys with the New York City Bar Association urged city officials to intervene to transfer the zoo’s last two elephants to a sanctuary.

Tagged

bronx

bronx zoo

elephant

Giulia Heyward

Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

MORE news

Brooklyn man charged with assault after allegedly chasing woman with hammer, pushing boy

He also bit a school employee who tried to apprehend him, according to the Queens DA.

By

Giulia Heyward

Published Jul 31, 2026 at 6:17 p.m. ET

It's a gorgeous weather weekend in NYC: How to enjoy it

Summer Streets, concerts, history tours — there are a lot of good reasons to get outside.

By

Apolline Lamy

News

It's a gorgeous weather weekend in NYC: How to enjoy it

Summer Streets, concerts, history tours — there are a lot of good reasons to get outside.

By

Apolline Lamy

Better light rail in North Jersey? Hopeful advocates have a plan.

By

Michael Sol Warren

Mayor Mamdani taps veteran Black leader to head NYPD watchdog

By

Elizabeth Kim

and

Samantha Max

NY looks to shut down Kalshi, have it pay $36 billion in new lawsuit

By

Jimmy Vielkind

Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .