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Mourning Happy: Bronx Zoo euthanizes beloved elephant at 55
By
Giulia Heyward
Published May 28, 2026
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Bronx Zoo
By
Giulia Heyward
Published May 28, 2026
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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.
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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.
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