BRONX, NY – Happy, a celebrated elephant at the Bronx Zoo, has been missing from the public eye for nearly a month and a half, sparking worry among animal rights advocates. The 53-year-old pachyderm is thought to be spending her time in a small barn within her enclosure, a behavior that is considered atypical for her species.
Courtney Fern, a representative from the Nonhuman Rights Project, voiced her concern about Happy’s welfare. She proposed that the elephant’s absence might indicate depression or physical discomfort. Fern, who is also the director of government relations for the organization, suggested that Happy’s decision to stay indoors could be a sign of a diminished will to live or a lack of interest in her usual outdoor activities.
Happy, who is usually visible to zoo visitors near a pond from the zoo’s monorail, has not been spotted since mid-July. The Nonhuman Rights Project has been dispatching activists to keep an eye on Happy’s situation. Despite the zoo’s reassurances of her good health, the elephant’s extended absence has led to conjecture about her location and well-being.
The zoo has insisted that Happy is simply choosing to stay in areas that are out of sight from the observation monorail. They assert she is spending time in other indoor and outdoor areas that are not open to the public. Happy, who was the subject of a court case arguing for elephant “personhood,” was not visible when reporters visited her enclosure.
Fern expressed doubt about the zoo’s explanation, stating that Happy’s behavior is not typical for an elephant. She suggested that the elephant’s reluctance to come outside could be a sign of mental or physical distress. Fern further underscored her concern, stating that being confined to a small space could be harmful to Happy’s physical and mental health.
Mary Dixon, a spokesperson for the Bronx Zoo, reiterated the zoo’s previous statement that Happy is in good health. However, she did not respond to further inquiries about why Happy might be isolating herself or whether the zoo has plans to intervene. Animal rights activists, including Fern, believe the solution is clear: Happy should be moved to a sanctuary where she can live out the rest of her life.