Happy, Bronx Zoo elephant at center of animal rights case, dies at 55

Happy, a 55-year-old Asian elephant, was euthanized at the Bronx Zoo after hospice care followed a decline in kidney or liver function. Having lived there since 1977, she became central to a landmark legal dispute over whether an animal could hold a fundamental human right. Zoo officials said the decision reflected assessments of her quality of life as age-related conditions progressed. The Nonhuman Rights Project had argued for habeas corpus protections for elephants, while the Wildlife Conservation Society labeled the case as exploitative and emphasized Happy’s health and well-being.