Lucy (elephant)

Lucy the Elephant at Edmonton Valley Zoo, Canada

Lucy is a 47-year-old Asian elephant who lives at the Edmonton Valley Zoo in Canada. She was captured at the age of two from the tropical forests of Sri Lanka and has been living at the zoo since 1977.

Health concerns

Lucy’s health has been a topic of concern. She is now breathing solely through her mouth due to a narrowing of the nasal passage, a condition first reported in 2009.^{[citation needed]} Her breathing problems have worsened over time, leading to very severe hypoxemia and hypercapnia — low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels in her blood and tissues. The root cause of this condition remains undiagnosed.

In addition to her respiratory issues, Lucy also has a large uterine tumor (leiomyoma), which is common in female elephants who have never given birth. This tumor is being treated with a vaccine recommended by the visiting veterinarian.^{[citation needed]}

Lucy also has arthritis.

See also

• List of captive elephants
• Effects of captivity on elephants

Animal Hub

• Court of Appeal Decision Lucy 2019 pdf

External links

• World’s Coldest & Loneliest Elephant Languishes in Edmonton Animal Justice
• Supreme Court dismisses case involving Lucy the elderly elephant CBC News
• Lonely Zoo Elephant Hasn't Had A Friend In 11 Years The Dodo
• The world's coldest elephant? Activists demand Lucy's removal from Canadian zoo The Guardian
• Friends of Lucy: Why We Support Recognition of Elephants’ Nonhuman Rights Nonhuman Rights Project