Edmonton Valley Zoo

Similarly, in October 2022, the animal advocacy organization Free the Wild (co-founded by Cher) corroborated these findings, agreeing that relocation would likely endanger Lucy’s life. Sagan Cowne, trustee and director of communications for Free the Wild, remarked:“I’ve travelled the world and I’ve been to many zoos and sanctuaries and circuses across the globe. What I’ve seen here in terms of commitment from the zoo staff is extraordinary. It’s definitely a very good baseline from which any zoo should look to (to care for) their animals” The experts noted that Lucy’s chronic respiratory issues, including severe hypoxemia and hypercapnia, make her highly susceptible to stress and respiratory complications during travel. Additionally, her advanced age and lack of exposure to other elephants complicate the feasibility of relocation. Dr. Schmitt stated that she likely has low antibody levels to Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) and advised against moving her to a facility with other elephants or introducing elephants to her, due to the high risk that she has no protection against succumbing to EEHV. The assessment concluded that transporting Lucy would pose significant health risks.

Animals