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World's Loneliest Elephant Has Lived On Her Own For 13 Years

World's Loneliest Elephant Has Lived On Her Own For 13 Years

People are petitioning to have her moved to an elephant sanctuary

Amelia Ward

Amelia Ward

Heartbreaking photos show the sad life of Happy the elephant who lives alone in a zoo in New York. Having been brought over from Thailand with six other elephant calves in the 1970s, Happy lived with her friend Grumpy for 25 years at the Bronx zoo.

But when Grumpy was put to sleep 13 years ago, Happy was left all alone.

Now, animal rights activists are campaigning for Happy to be released from the zoo and taken to an animal sanctuary, where she can live out the rest of her days with others rather than in isolation.

Journalist Yashar Ali brought Happy's plight to the attention of the world after his thread on Twitter went viral.

He wrote: "There are two accredited sanctuaries in the US that are willing to accept Happy which would give her the opportunity to roam on a large plot of land and be surrounded by other elephants pals.

"But the @BronxZoo and it's director @JimBreheny are unwilling to give her up."

He continued: "The @BronxZoo and @JimBreheny are holding onto Happy for two reasons: money (elephants are a proven revenue generator) and if they admit that Happy would be happier in a sanctuary they know if they give in, they may be forced to send other animals to sanctuaries."

He went on to explain why it is cruel to keep elephants in isolation due to their sociable nature.

"In the wild, female elephants grew up and live in matriarchal herds. They're raised by their siblings, aunts, and cousins and they live with them for the rest of their lives. When elephants are isolated they grow depressed... just like human beings. It's cruel to isolate them," he said.

According to Ali, Happy has made history before. She was the first elephant to pass a 'mirror self-recognition test' - before her, it was only dolphins, humans and gorillas had passed. This means that she has some level of self awareness.

More than 814,000 people have signed an online petition 'to end her solitary confinement' on Change.org.

LADbible has contacted Bronx Zoo for comment.

Featured Image Credit: Change.org

Topics:Ā Viral, US News, Animals