Happy, the beloved 55-year-old Asian elephant at the Bronx Zoo, was euthanized on May 26, 2026, following a rapid decline in her health due to age-related conditions. Zoo veterinarians made the difficult decision after she showed signs of falling liver or kidney function, and a subsequent necropsy revealed severe arthritis and large, inoperable uterine tumors.A History-Making LegacyHappy was an extraordinary animal who left a permanent mark on science, law, and animal welfare:Scientific Breakthrough: In 2005, Happy became the first elephant to pass the mirror self-awareness test. By touching an "X" painted on her forehead that she could only see in a mirror, she proved that elephants share a rare level of cognitive self-awareness with humans, apes, and dolphins.Landmark Legal Battle: She was the central figure in a historic, multi-year lawsuit launched by the Nonhuman Rights Project. The group fought to grant her legal "personhood" under habeas corpus to move her to a sanctuary, sparking global debates about animal rights before New York's highest court ultimately ruled against it.Life at the Zoo: Happy arrived at the WCS Bronx Zoo in 1977. She spent her final weeks under specialized hospice care, choosing to rest in her favorite barn and outdoor yard spaces surrounded by her dedicated keepers.Her passing marks the end of an era for New York City and animal advocacy worldwide.
