Happy, an Asian Elephant Who Demonstrated That Her Species Might Be Self-Aware, Dies at 55 at the Bronx Zoo

Happy, an Asian elephant at the Bronx Zoo since 1977, was euthanized on May 26 after declining health. Veterinary evaluations showed worsening kidneys and liver, and a necropsy found large, inoperable uterine tumors and arthritis. Happy was recognized for scientific contributions and for legal efforts related to animal rights. Experts believed she was born in Thailand in 1971 and was acquired by the Bronx Zoo after time in a Florida petting zoo. Since the mid-2000s, she lived in an isolated enclosure separated from other elephants after attacks on another pachyderm. In 2006, researchers reported self-awareness when Happy appeared to recognize herself in a mirror.

"Happy, an Asian elephant who had lived at the Bronx Zoo since 1977, was euthanized on May 26 after a period of declining health. Recent veterinary evaluations suggested Happy's kidneys and liver were declining. And a necropsy, the animal version of an autopsy, performed this week revealed she had several large, inoperable uterine tumors, along with arthritis."

"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, says Craig Piper, interim director of the Bronx Zoo, in a statement. 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."

"In 2006, researchers reported that Happy made scientific history by adding Asian elephants to the short list of animals to demonstrate signs of self-awareness, which, at the time, included only humans, apes and dolphins. They had put a large mirror in the Bronx Zoo's elephant yard, and Happy, Maxine and Patty"

Read at Smithsonian Magazine