In a heartfelt plea for change, Missy is urging the Edmonton Valley Zoo in Alberta, Canada, to relocate its only elephant, Lucy, to the Tennessee Elephant Sanctuary. Lucy has been living in isolation since 2007, when her only companion was transferred to another institution. With the zoo’s decision to exclude elephants from its future, Lucy is destined to remain alone for the rest of her life—an unimaginable reality for such a social creature.
As individuals who care deeply about animal welfare, we are saddened by Lucy’s plight. While her story resonates personally for many, its implications extend far beyond one elephant’s experience. The zoo’s director, a member of the Canadian Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), has overlooked one of the organization’s fundamental tenets by justifying Lucy’s solitary existence. This stance not only defies established standards for the care of elephants but also dismisses the overwhelming evidence that isolation has detrimental effects on their physical and mental health.
Moreover, this misrepresentation has reached even the Mayor, who has been led to believe that Lucy’s health prevents her from being relocated. However, a third-party assessment reveals that the real issue is not Lucy’s health, but rather the inadequate environment in which she is confined. Elephants are inherently social animals, and they thrive on companionship and interaction. Lucy’s continued isolation is a source of profound suffering, and she deserves the opportunity for a better quality of life.
The Tennessee Elephant Sanctuary represents a beacon of hope for Lucy. This sanctuary is dedicated to providing elephants with the space, care, and companionship they need to flourish. Relocating her to this nurturing environment would not only improve her physical health but also offer her the social interactions that are crucial for her well-being.
The time to act is now. We cannot remain passive while Lucy endures a life of loneliness and confinement. The quality of a society can often be measured by how it treats its most vulnerable members, including animals. By standing up for Lucy, we reaffirm our commitment to compassionate and humane treatment for all creatures.
Join Missy in calling for Lucy’s relocation to the Tennessee Elephant Sanctuary. Sign the petition today and help us advocate for a brighter future for Lucy—a future where she can live her remaining days surrounded by the companionship and care she so desperately needs. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that Lucy’s story ends not in isolation, but in peace and happiness.