Edmonton zoo's elephant Lucy may never return to her herd

In Edmonton, Canada, the Edmonton Valley Zoo's beloved elephant Lucy is set to turn 50 next year. Recent veterinary evaluations indicate that while Lucy maintains good general health, her respiratory problems preclude her from relocating to join a herd. Gary Dewar, the zoo's director, stated that attempting to transport her could cause significant stress and risk her life during travel. Consequently, experts have determined that any relocation would not be in her best interest. Although Lucy has been alone for approximately 16 years, after her herd mate, an African elephant, was moved for breeding, her overall well-being remains stable. She actively engages in exercise routines at the zoo, which vary between outdoor walks and indoor activities during the cold winter months. Furthermore, a considerable tumour detected two years ago has been effectively managed with vaccine administration, as noted by veterinarian Marie-Josee Limoges. Lucy was brought to the zoo when she was merely two years old, a time when many zoos kept elephants. However, societal attitudes toward animal captivity and well-being have evolved significantly. Activists, including the late television personality Bob Barker, have campaigned for a more suitable living arrangement for Lucy, citing that she should spend her final years with other elephants, especially given the harsh Canadian winters. Dewar and Limoges acknowledge the ongoing debates but emphasize their commitment to Lucy's welfare and her current environment. Moving her would not only induce undue stress but also pose a high risk given her health condition. Thus, the Edmonton Valley Zoo has resolved that Lucy will be the final elephant housed there, reflecting a shift away from traditional zoo practices concerning elephant care.