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Bronx Zoo Elephant, Happy, Spotted for the First Time in Weeks, Raising Even More Concerns

Recently, Happy, the Asian elephant from the Bronx Zoo, was spotted for the first time in nearly ten weeks, leading to concerns from animal activists who have long monitored her. The Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) posted a photo of Happy lying down in a sand pit on Instagram, a behavior they claim is unusual for the elephant. According to the group, Happy had only ever been seen standing in her enclosure since they began monitoring her in 2018. The group also noted what they described as “significant damage” to Happy’s feet, raising alarms about her well-being.

“From the time we began monitoring this exhibit in 2018 until her disappearance from view this summer, we and our sources only ever observed Happy in a standing position in this yard,” the NhRP stated.

The Bronx Zoo, however, has a very different interpretation of Happy’s condition. A spokesperson for the zoo responded to the concerns, asserting that Happy is healthy and in good spirits. According to the zoo, it is completely normal for a healthy elephant to lie down, as it demonstrates she feels comfortable and safe. The spokesperson also downplayed concerns about her feet, explaining that any issues, like nail cracks, are managed through routine pedicures.

“They know nothing of the individual elephant, her likes, dislikes, or habits,” the zoo’s spokesperson said, emphasizing that the NhRP is not familiar with the day-to-day care Happy receives. “It’s quite normal for healthy elephants to lie down and actually shows she is comfortable and feels secure in that area.”

In response, the NhRP dismissed the zoo’s reassurances as minimizing Happy’s physical and emotional needs. Lauren Choplin, communications director for the NhRP, argued that captive environments like the Bronx Zoo are inadequate for elephants. The controversy intensified in mid-July when the NhRP expressed concern over Happy’s disappearance from the public eye. According to the zoo, Happy had been opting to stay away from the exhibit space visible from the zoo’s monorail. A spokesperson for the zoo explained that Happy was choosing to remain closer to the barn and that staff allowed her to follow her own preferences.

The debate over Happy’s well-being is part of a larger, ongoing battle between the NhRP and the Bronx Zoo. Since 2018, the NhRP has been advocating for Happy’s release, even taking the case to the New York Court of Appeals, where the court ultimately ruled in 2022 that Happy is not a person under the law, and therefore cannot be released based on legal personhood.

Meanwhile, the zoo has emphasized that Happy is well-cared for and that a recent USDA inspection found no issues with the elephant or her enclosure. However, the NhRP remains adamant that something is wrong, pointing to Happy’s recent behavior and confinement indoors as evidence of deeper psychological and physical distress.