The latest examination of famous Edmonton elephant Lucy finds her in good shape before her 50th birthday, but not healthy enough to be transferred to a herd.
Gary Dewar, director of the Edmonton Valley Zoo, says experts determined the elephant’s respiratory problems would not allow it to travel.
“She is having trouble breathing and if we tried to transport her it would be a very stressful journey. And it’s very likely that she will die along the way,” Dewar said at a news conference Tuesday.
“It’s not something we want to take casually.”
He said the gentle giant’s health was good considering she turns 50 next year and continues to walk around the zoo to stay fit. His training takes place indoors during the winter.
Dewar said experts indicated he had about 10 to 15 years to live.
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“She is alert, calm and responsive,” he said.
A large tumor discovered two years ago remains under control thanks to vaccines, the zoo said.
“We know he’s smaller, just because of the behavior we’re seeing,” said zoo veterinarian Marie-Josée Limoges.
“Her uterus no longer descends into her abdominal cavity like it did two years ago.”
The Asian elephant arrived at the zoo when she was two years old, and she has been on her own since her herd mate, an African elephant, was transferred to another facility about 16 years ago to breed.
Lucy has made international headlines in recent years, as protesters called for her to be moved so she could spend the remaining years of her life with other elephants.
Among the defenders of his freedom was American game show host Bob Barker. Before he died in 2023, he said elephants were not meant to brave Canada’s harsh winter climate.
Dewar and Limoges said the zoo was aware of the criticism.
“We can all agree that we all share a love for her and want what’s best for her,” Dewar said. “Lucy will therefore be the last elephant to live at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. No more will be brought here.
Limoges said Lucy came to the zoo in the 1970s, when “every zoo had to have an elephant.”
“It’s been 50 years. Not every zoo is required to have an elephant. “She’s staying here mainly because we don’t think it’s in her best interest to move,” she said.
© 2024 The Canadian Press