Happy, an Asian elephant at the Bronx Zoo, died after being euthanized on Tuesday following a period of hospice care. She arrived at the zoo in 1977 and was one of two Asian elephants, alongside Patty. Hospice care began after age-related health conditions and signs of possible declining kidney or liver function. She died surrounded by keepers, curators, and veterinarians who had cared for her for decades. A necropsy found large inoperable uterine tumors and signs of arthritis. Public concern about the welfare of Happy and Patty persisted for years, including a request by attorneys from the New York City Bar Association for city officials to transfer the elephants to a sanctuary.
"“Making the decision to euthanize an animal is one of the hardest and most heartbreaking responsibilities in animal care, requiring immense compassion and love for the animal,” Piper said in a statement."
"Happy - who arrived at the zoo in 1977 - had been one of two Asian elephants, along with 57-year-old Patty. The former started to receive hospice care after suffering from age-related health conditions and signs of potential declining kidney or liver function, according to the zoo."
"A necropsy of the elephant showed large inoperable uterine tumors and signs of arthritis. Public concern over the welfare of both Happy and Patty had followed the pair for decades. Last year, attorneys with the New York City Bar Association urged city officials to intervene to transfer the zoo's last two elephants to a sanctuary."
Read at Gothamist
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