New York, May 27, 2026 — Happy, a 55-year-old Asian elephant at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo, has been euthanized after a period of hospice care during which veterinary and animal care staff managed progressive, age-related health conditions.

The following statement was released today by Craig Piper, Interim Bronx Zoo Director and Executive Vice President for Wildlife Conservation Society Zoos and Aquarium:

“We 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. Their longstanding, deep relationships were invaluable to Happy throughout her life.

“The decision to euthanize was made by the zoo’s veterinary and animal care teams and guided solely by Happy’s wellbeing and comfort. Throughout her final weeks, staff closely monitored her behavior, appetite, mobility, and overall health while providing specialized supportive care, pain management, nutritional support, and hydration therapies tailored to her needs.

“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.

“In addition to degenerative changes associated with advanced age, diagnostic testing and ongoing veterinary evaluations identified signs of potential declining kidney or liver function. Despite comprehensive medical management and supportive therapies, her condition worsened. A necropsy performed today revealed several large inoperable uterine tumors and arthritis (which would be expected in an animal of her age). Our veterinary team believes all these conditions collectively contributed to her decline.

“Happy 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.

“Happy arrived at the Bronx Zoo in 1977. She was an incredible ambassador for her species, inspiring millions of visitors to care about Asian elephants and their conservation. Keepers who worked closely with Happy over the years recalled that she would often lift her trunk in greeting. She was known for her hearty appetite — happily eating ‘everything,’ with watermelon and strawberries among her favorite treats. 

“Patty, the Bronx Zoo’s other Asian elephant, at 57 years old is doing well. Any future decisions regarding Patty’s care and management will continue to be made based on her individual welfare needs and in alignment with Association of Zoos and Aquariums and other professional standards.”

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Legal Proceedings Involving Happy

Happy was the subject of years of frivolous litigation brought by anti-zoo activists seeking to have her legally declared a person and removed from the Bronx Zoo. In multiple rulings, New York State courts, including the state’s highest court, ruled in favor of the Bronx Zoo.  As with all animals at the Bronx Zoo, WCS always focused on what was best for Happy’s health and psychological well-being, considering her behavior, history, personality, age, and special needs.

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