Image from change.org petition started by Missy Stehle

We are pleased to pass on this petition started by Missy Stehle. It only takes a moment to sign.

As individuals who care deeply for the emotional and physical wellbeing of animals, we are saddened by the situation of Lucy, our beloved elephant, who is currently living in isolation at Edmonton Valley Zoo. Lucy’s story may be personal to me, but the implications of her situation are universal. The zoo director, who is also a member of the Canadian Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), has violated one of the fundamental rules of the organization in persuading others that Lucy should continue living alone. This is despite the fact that this solitary existence has been proven to have deleterious effects on elephants, both physically and mentally. His influence has even extended to the Mayor, who has been led to believe that Lucy is unable to travel due to ill health.

However, according to a third-party assessment, the crux of the issue lies in the environment in which Lucy is being forced to exist. It has been proven repeatedly that elephants, being social animals, suffer greatly when isolated. Lucy needs to leave her current environment to have a chance at a mentally and physically healthy lifestyle. The Tennessee Elephant Sanctuary could provide Lucy with this much-needed respite and companionship, a possibility that is being denied to her at the Edmonton Valley Zoo.

Evidently, the time to act is now. We cannot sit by and see Lucy live out her days in the unconscionable condition of loneliness. Keep in mind, the quality of a society can be judged by the way its animals are treated. As such, by taking a stand for Lucy, we are affirming our commitment to the compassionate and humane treatment of animals. Please, sign this petition to help relocate Lucy from Edmonton Valley Zoo to Tennessee Elephant Sanctuary, where she can finally live the rest of her days in peace.