Edmonton Valley Zoo on ‘worst list’ for treatment of Lucy the elephant
An international animal rights organization has put the Edmonton Valley Zoo on its list of “dishonourable mentions — repeat offender” for its treatment of Lucy the elephant.
In Defense of Animals, based in San Rafael, Calif., said Wednesday the zoo continues to keep the 42-year-old Asian elephant “in solitary confinement in a bonechilling prison in one of the coldest cities in Canada.”
In a statement, director Denise Prefontaine said the zoo takes “great exception to the continued misinformation” about Lucy.
“We are in the business of caring for animals and putting their best interests ahead of all else,” said Prefontaine. “The decisions we’re making with regards to Lucy are based on scientific knowledge, expert advice and the intimate knowledge the zoo staff has of her condition.
“To suggest we are doing anything other than acting in Lucy’s best interest is completely unacceptable.”
The zoo referred to a 2016 report ordered by Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, which advocates for Lucy remaining at the zoo.
“Whilst not impossible, a move would carry a grave and unquantifiable risk to (Lucy’s) life and the question ultimately falls to whether the lack of social interaction with species of her own kind and the seasonal challenges found in winter is of greater welfare compromise than the risk of her dying if attempting to move her,” British veterinarian Jonathan Cracknell said in the report.
In Defense of Animals takes care in producing its respected annual list, which is reviewed by some of the world’s most esteemed elephant scientists and takes exception to claims that any information is “erroneous” or “unfounded,” said Toni Frohoff, a scientist at the organization.
Even a cursory look at Lucy’s living conditions shows evidence of Lucy’s desperate and dire situation, she said.
The zoo has been either on the dishonourable or the worst zoo list since 2010.
“We have rightly exposed the Edmonton zoo for its solitary confinement and treatment of Lucy,” Frohoff said. “For many years, the zoo has failed to comply with Alberta’s zoo standards and other professional welfare standards requiring social interaction for elephants. The government is failing to enforce the standards that should be protecting Lucy’s welfare. The only solution to Lucy’s respiratory and other health issues might rely on her being retired to a warmer environment.”