Petition to the City of Edmonton: Prioritizing Lucy’s Long-Term Welfare and Comprehensive Expert Evaluation in retiring her to a sanctuary

We, the undersigned, urge the City of Edmonton to consider the recommendations surrounding Lucy, the Asian elephant at the Edmonton Valley Zoo, with a focus on what ensures her best possible quality of life. While past assessments have highlighted her excellent care and adaptation to her current environment,  an offer from The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennesee (TES) provides a balanced, thoughtful, and expert-driven approach to her welfare.

A medical assessment in 2022 was endorsed by Free The Wild by a team of elephant experts, at that time it was determined by Free the Wild and Edmonton Valley Zoo improvements to Lucy health were necessary before considering relocation to sanctuary.

This years medical assessment (2024) The latest checkup on Lucy finds her in good shape ahead of her 50th birthday . ( below were parts summarizing from her report )

1. Lucy is an active healthy older elephant
2. She did not exhibit any pain or reluctance to walk a good distance either uphill or downhill.
3. Could she survive a move? Probably. While she is geriatric, she is in good health, but a move for her would not be short as she would likely have to move into the United States which is a long crate ride across the country. Physically she could probably handle this

Acknowledging Edmonton's Exceptional Care

Lucy's current caretakers have demonstrated remarkable dedication in maintaining her health and comfort. From tailored dietary adjustments to veterinary attention and daily routines, Lucy has made significant health improvements under the attentive care of her team. Her routine walks, social bonds with her handlers. These efforts have improved her health.

Considering Opportunities for Further Welfare Improvements Despite these successes, the discussion of relocating Lucy to a sanctuary offers potential benefits worth exploring:

1. TES Sanctuary is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), licensed by the USDA and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources offer opportunities for tailored introductions to other elephants, under expert care.

2. Access to a Warmer Climate: Sanctuaries in warmer regions could provide Lucy with year-round access to larger outdoor spaces, potentially alleviating cold-weather restrictions.

3. Social Companionship: Offering choice and opportunities for tailored introductions to other elephants, under expert care.

4. Comprehensive Medical Expertise: TES have 24/7access to specialized elephant veterinarians, adding an additional layer of health elephant management with life long care for Lucy.

Addressing Concerns with Relocation:
We acknowledge concerns raised about the risks associated with moving Lucy, including the stress of travel, potential exposure to EEHV, and the psychological impact of separating her from familiar handlers.

EEHV Risk Mitigation
The concern about Lucy's susceptibility to EEHV (Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus) the chances are minimal. While many captive infant and juvenile elephants tragically fall victim to this devastating disease, we have never encountered a case of an elephant over the age of 20 developing EEHV primarily affects juvenile elephants, with only a handful of rare cases reported between 15 and 20 years old. The vast majority of cases occur in elephants under the age of 10, with the average age being 3 to 5 years.

Accrediting sanctuaries that accept elephants like Lucy have rigorous health and quarantine protocols in place. Before any new elephant is introduced, facilities conduct comprehensive health screenings, and new arrivals are quarantined to minimize exposure risks.

It's also worth noting that Lucy's potential risk of contracting EEHV should be weighed against the ongoing stresses and health risks posed by her current environment. Chronic exposure to cold weather, lack of adequate socialization, and limited space all contribute to long-term physiological and psychological strain.

Sanctuaries can provide her with a more suitable climate and opportunities for enrichment that outweigh the potential risks when proper precautions are taken.

These risks must be addressed carefully by a team of elephant experts the potential benefits of a new environment. (Edmonton Valley Zoo vs Sanctuary Life ).

A Call for Independent and Transparent Expert Evaluation To ensure Lucy's best interests are prioritized:

Next Steps

1. Engage a Panel of Independent Experts: Convene a diverse team of elephant specialists, veterinarians, behaviorists, and sanctuary representatives to conduct a thorough, unbiased evaluation of Lucy's suitability for relocation.

2. Implement Trial Preparations: Begin gradual training for crate transport and other relocation procedures to gauge Lucy's adaptability in a low-stress manner.

3. Monitor Lucy's Response: Assess Lucy's physical and psychological well-being throughout the process to make an informed decision based on her individual needs.

Request for Action:
We respectfully request that the City of Edmonton and the Edmonton Valley Zoo:
Initiate a transparent evaluation of sanctuary options with a focus on Lucy's specific needs.

Ensure that decisions regarding Lucy's future are informed by her welfare and rooted in both compassion and science.

Lucy is a beloved member of our earth her care is a shared responsibility on our planet. By pursuing this balanced approach, Edmonton can lead in compassionate and innovative animal care while supporting BILL #S15 honoring Lucy safe guarding these key stone species.

Lucy is retired from the public according to Edmonton Valley Zoo and deserves the opportunity to try and live out her remaining years in an environment that prioritizes her natural behaviors, social connections, and overall quality of life.

Please sign this petition to support Lucy's well-being and advocate for informed, thoughtful decisions about her transport to Tes sanctuary.

This is at no cost to the City of Edmonton and represents the most compassionate path forward.