Kids Ask Edmonton to Have a Heart for Lonely Zoo Elephant

by Stephanie Feldstein · 2011-02-11 11:03:00 UTC
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Kids from around the world are sending Valentine's Day cards to Edmonton City Council, asking them to have a heart for Lucy the elephant and free her to a sanctuary. PETA is coordinating the effort through peta2, the youth-focused branch of the organization. Nearly 1,000 people have already signed up for the campaign's Facebook event.

As peta2 writes, "No one wants to be cold and alone on Valentine's Day." Though elephants are highly social, Lucy has no companions at Edmonton's Valley Zoo. They're also warm-weather animals ... the freezing temperatures of Alberta, Canada don't exactly feel like home. Lucy has respiratory issues, arthritis and a chronic foot ailment. She also shows signs of psychological distress.

In Defense of Animals recently named Valley Zoo the second worst zoo in North America for elephants, noting that "Lucy suffers the trifecta of cruel zoo conditions: solitary confinement, a tiny exhibit and Alberta's frigid climate."

Lucy may not be feeling the love from the city that keeps her captive, but animal activists are working hard to get her a better life. PETA and Zoocheck Canada have brought a lawsuit against the City of Edmonton, asking the court to recognize Lucy as an animal in distress. The case was dismissed last summer, but the animal protection groups have filed an appeal.

Former NHL hockey player, Georges Laraque, offered the city $100,000 to move Lucy to an elephant sanctuary. William Shatner and Bob Barker have also added their star power to Lucy's campaign.

Lucy's case is particularly controversial because, although she would undoubtedly have a better life at a sanctuary in a warmer climate, her ailments make the move to get there risky. Still, "It's unconscionable for Edmonton city officials to stand by and watch as this highly intelligent and social animal wastes away in solitary confinement," says peta2 Director Dan Shannon. "We hope that our Valentine's Day cards will touch council members' hearts and motivate officials to relocate Lucy before it's too late."

Show some love this Valentine's Day, and tell Edmonton officials to grant Lucy her freedom.

Photo credit: peta2

Stephanie Feldstein is a Change.org Editor who has been part of the animal welfare and rescue community for over a decade, and most recently worked for an environmental organization.

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