The Edmonton Valley Zoo says it will continue to be Lucy’s home for the rest of her life based on recent medical assessments.
Information released by the zoo showed the 47-year-old Asian elephant should not be moved, despite demands from animal rights groups over the past several years that she be transferred to a sanctuary in a warmer climate.
The zoo has been working closely with the animal advocacy group Free the Wild, which co-operated in the assessment, since October.
Gary Dewar, the zoo’s director, said the medical report stated that Lucy has “severe breathing issues” and three of four experts believe moving the lone elephant from the zoo could be life-threatening.
In semi-retirement since 2020, the elephant is no longer on public display but continues to engage with her team of caretakers.
Lucy came to the zoo as an orphan in 1977 from Sri Lanka.
Several recommendations from the experts who examined Lucy have been implemented, including changes to the diet of the overweight elephant.
Dewar said that on Monday, Lucy weighed about 3,958 kilograms, and might need to lose another 200 kilograms.
Sagan Cowne with Free the Wild has praised Edmonton zoo staff for their “extraordinary” care of Lucy.
