Free Happy The Elephant From Loneliness and Captivity
1,160 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site
Help free Happy the Elephant from cruel confinement at the Bronx Zoo and ensure she lives out her life in dignity and freedom.
Happy, a cherished Asian elephant at the Bronx Zoo since 1977, has been the center of growing concern among animal rights activists. For nearly ten weeks, Happy was absent from public view, sparking fear and speculation about her well-being1. When she was finally spotted, unsettling signs emerged, including unusual behavior and significant damage to her feet1.
Unveiling the Truth
The Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) shared a photo of Happy lying down in a sand pit, a departure from her typical standing behavior1. This raised alarms about her physical and emotional state, with activists arguing that such behavior indicates distress1. In contrast, Bronx Zoo officials maintain that Happy is healthy and comfortable, asserting that lying down is normal for elephants and that her feet are well cared for1. They also highlighted a recent USDA inspection that found no issues with Happy’s care3.
Activists Demand Change
Despite the zoo's reassurances, activists remain unconvinced. In Defense of Animals ranked the Bronx Zoo as the No. 2 worst zoo for elephants in North America, citing “cruel confinement” and inadequate living conditions for Happy and her companion, Patty6. The group argues that the enclosures are significantly smaller than natural habitats, leading to chronic stress and health problems6. Activists emphasize the urgent need for Happy to be moved to a sanctuary where she can live freely and naturally1,6.
The Legal Battle
Happy’s situation has been embroiled in legal battles since 2018, with the NhRP advocating for her release through legal personhood. However, the New York Court of Appeals ruled in 2022 that Happy is not a person under the law, preventing her from being granted legal personhood2. This ruling has intensified calls for her relocation to a sanctuary, where she can live out her days in comfort and dignity1.
Why It Matters
Elephants are highly intelligent and social creatures that thrive in environments allowing natural behaviors and strong social bonds. Prolonged captivity can lead to chronic stress, physical ailments, and a diminished quality of life. Ensuring Happy's well-being is not only a matter of compassion but also a reflection of our commitment to ethical treatment of all animals1.
Take Action Now
Happy deserves to live her remaining years in a sanctuary that respects her natural instincts and provides the space she needs to thrive. By signing the petition, you can help ensure that Happy is released from confinement and given the life she deserves, free from exploitation and distress.
Take action for Happy — Sign the petition now!
- Nicole Rosenthal, New York Post (27 September 2024), "Bronx Zoo elephant Happy spotted in public for first time in weeks — with ‘significant damage’ to feet, activists say."
- Myriam Page, The Independent (13 September 2024), "Where’s Happy? The mystery surrounding Bronx Zoo’s famous elephant."
- Brad Matthews, The Washington Times (12 September 2024), "Bronx Zoo elephant Happy appears in exhibit after months of speculation."
- Trinity Sparke, One Green Planet (2024), "Bronx Zoo Elephant, Happy, Spotted for the First Time in Weeks, Raising Even More Concerns."
- Elizabeth Stein, Nonhuman Rights Projrct (2 August 2024), "The City covers Happy the elephant’s disappearance from view."
The Petition:
To the director of the Bronx Zoo,
We, the undersigned, are writing to urgently call for the release of Happy, the cherished Asian elephant residing at the Bronx Zoo, to a compassionate sanctuary. After years of monitoring and growing concerns from animal rights advocates, it is evident that Happy's current environment does not meet her physical and emotional needs.
Happy has been a beloved member of the Bronx Zoo since 1977. Recent observations and reports from the Nonhuman Rights Project and In Defense of Animals highlight significant issues related to her confinement, including limited space, inadequate social interactions, and physical ailments such as foot damage. These conditions potentially violate the Association of Zoos & Aquariums' standards of care, which mandate spacious, enriching environments that support the well-being of elephants.
Compassion and humanity must guide our actions in this matter. Elephants are highly intelligent and social creatures that thrive in environments that allow for natural behaviors and strong social bonds. Prolonged captivity can lead to chronic stress, physical health problems, and diminished quality of life. It is our moral responsibility to ensure that Happy lives out her days in a setting that honors her dignity and natural instincts.
Releasing Happy to a sanctuary will not only provide her with the freedom and care she deserves but also set a precedent for the ethical treatment of all captive elephants. By taking this compassionate step, the Bronx Zoo will demonstrate leadership in animal welfare, fostering a future where all animals are treated with the respect and kindness they inherently deserve.
We urge you to prioritize Happy's well-being and act swiftly to secure her transfer to a sanctuary where she can live comfortably and freely. Your commitment to this cause will ensure a better, more humane future for all animals under human care.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.
Sincerely,
