Happy, an Asian elephant at the Bronx Zoo, was euthanized at age 55 after age-related conditions accelerated in recent weeks. She showed signs of declining kidney or liver function. A necropsy found arthritis and large, inoperable uterine tumors that cannot be diagnosed in elephants through routine exams or imaging. Happy had lived at the zoo for nearly half a century and served as an ambassador for elephants and conservation. After her death, Patty remained the last elephant on exhibit in the United States’ largest city. Happy was born in Asia, brought to the U.S. as a 1-year-old, and arrived at the zoo in 1977. She engaged with keepers, responded to favorite treats, and demonstrated self-awareness by recognizing herself in a mirror in 2005.
"The Asian elephant was put to sleep Tuesday at the zoo where she lived for almost a half-century. Zoo officials said some age-related conditions accelerated in recent weeks, and she showed signs of a falloff in kidney or liver function. A necropsy revealed arthritis and large, inoperable uterine tumors that are impossible to diagnose in elephants through exams or imaging, the zoo said."
"Since Happy's death, the zoo's 57-year-old Patty is the last elephant on exhibit in the United States' largest city. The zoo's parent institution, the Wildlife Conservation Society, decided 20 years ago to stop acquiring pachyderms."
"In 2005, she showed researchers that elephants can recognize themselves in a mirror - a sign of self-awareness seen in only a few other species. During the experiment, Happy faced her reflection and repeatedly used her trunk to touch an "X" painted above her eye, a mark she could see only in the mirror."
"Happy keenly engaged with her keepers and was easy to motivate with favorite treats, such as watermelon or strawberries, said Keith Lovett, the zoo's director of animal programs. Piper said she sometimes stashed treats in her ear to save for later."
Read at News 12 - Long Island
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