Happy the elephant has not been seen in her outdoor yard at the Bronx Zoo in New York City, New York since at least July 14, 2024. One of our supporters reported that she did not see Happy when she visited the zoo on June 16, so possibly it has been much longer. The zoo claims that she prefers to stay in the barn, however, this is the first summer she has not been seen outdoors, raising serious concerns about her welfare. 

Happy and the other Bronx Zoo elephant, Patty, usually take turns spending time in the yard. They are kept separately due to incompatibility, a common problem in zoos where elephants are thrown together without concern for their preferences. Just like us humans, elephants like to choose their friends.

Happy's stressful life in captivity and isolation has been a major source of concern, and now her absence has raised even more questions about whether or not she’s even able to go outside, or whether she’s being prevented from doing so.

Happy's Life Has Been Anything But Happy

Happy was born in Asia in 1971 and soon after was shipped with six other calves to the former Lion Country Safari in Florida. The calves were then sold off to zoos and circuses. Happy and Grumpy landed at the Bronx Zoo in 1977 where she has been ever since. Grumpy later died, and only Happy and Patty remained. In the early days, the Bronx Zoo resembled more of a circus than a zoo, and used brutal training with bullhooks, to force the elephants to do tricks. The trainer at the time claimed that Happy was the most energetic so he made her do the leg stands and sit-ups. All of these reasons and more are why In Defense of Animals has placed the Bronx Zoo a record 10 times on our annual list of 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants.

The NonHuman Rights Project has recently filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which regulates zoos, to investigate Happy's disappearance. As we wait for the USDA to report its findings, we need to find out how Happy is doing, so we are asking anyone who lives in the area to please go to the zoo and get a photo and if possible, a short video of Happy. The zoo has a monorail that passes by the elephant exhibit, and if Happy is in the yard, you will see her.

If you do see Happy, please send photos to pix@idausa.org, and video to video@idausa.org. Thank you for your support for Happy, it is deeply appreciated.

Please make a call, sign our alert, and share it on social media to free these two sad elephants to sanctuary.