The Bronx Zoo’s missing star attraction, a female gorilla, has not been sighted since July. The zoo claims she is well, but animal rights activists are skeptical.
The Bronx Zoo made headlines in July when it announced that its beloved Asian elephant, Happy, had not been seen in her outdoor enclosure for two weeks. Concerns arose among visitors and animal rights activists, prompting questions about Happy’s well-being. Despite the public’s worries, the zoo maintained that Happy was simply choosing to stay in her barn, where she was comfortable and well-fed.
Happy’s absence reignited discussions about her legal battle for freedom, which reached the New York Court of Appeals in 2022. The court ultimately ruled against granting elephants habeas corpus rights, stating that it applies only to humans. This decision marked the end of a long legal saga for Happy and the Bronx Zoo.
The zoo, known for its elephant conservation efforts, faced scrutiny once again as Happy remained out of sight for over two months. However, a recent government health inspection confirmed that Happy was in good health and showed no signs of distress. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service reported that no issues were found during the evaluation, reassuring the public about Happy’s condition.
Despite the zoo’s reassurances, questions linger about Happy’s prolonged absence and the reasons behind it. As a prominent figure in the debate over animal rights and captivity, Happy’s well-being continues to be a topic of interest and concern for both visitors and activists. The Bronx Zoo’s handling of Happy’s situation has drawn attention to the complex issues surrounding the care and treatment of captive animals, particularly those with long histories in zoos.
Moving forward, the Bronx Zoo will need to maintain transparency and open communication regarding Happy’s status to address public concerns and uphold its reputation as a leader in wildlife conservation. As discussions about animal welfare and captivity evolve, Happy’s story serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and ethical considerations faced by zoos and conservation organizations worldwide.
Source: The NY Times
