A Bronx Zoo elephant who gave researchers new insights and became the crux of a closely watched animal rights case has died.

New York's top court has ruled that Happy the elephant may be intelligent and deserving of compassion but cannot be considered a person being illegally confined to the Bronx Zoo.

She has four limbs, expressive eyes and likes to stroll through greenery in New York City.

This will surely put a smile on your face today.

Friends and family of 35-year-old William Hawkins were comforted by song, poetry and prayer and by the words of tribute and remembrance by those who knew and loved him during a memorial service Thursday at Christian Assistance Ministry.