Lucy, The Elephant

Recently, two Hollywood celebrities brought a zoo elephant to fame.

Bob Barker and William Shatner together with an animal welfare organization, "People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals," (PETA) asked a city zoo to move the zoo's star attraction to a wildlife sanctuary in California.

Lucy, a 30-year-old Asian elephant, calls a zoo in Edmonton her home, sweet home. Edmonton happens to be in Alberta, Canada, that is known for its gushing oil wells and also below zero climate. During the long winter months, the lone Lucy has to stay in an indoor shelter that does not provide her with sufficient roaming spaces. That is why Messrs. Barker and Shatner and PETA wanted to move Lucy to a greener and warmer pasture. But her keepers did not see it is a good idea.

Too bad Lucy cannot tell us what she prefers. About six years ago there was another elephant in Canada who was in the same predicament as Lucy is in now. I hope the story of Tina can help the good-hearted people who care about Lucy’s welfare come up with a decision that is good for her.

Tina faced a similar tug-of-war between a zoo in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and a few animal welfare groups. I cannot remember how old Tina was then. She was the only elephant at the zoo and had suffered bad foot infection. After much heated exchanges between the concerned parties, her keepers surrendered her to an elephant sanctuary in Tennessee. An arduous three-day trip in a standing room only trailer and thousands of donated dollars did bring Tina to the remote sanctuary in one piece. She seemed to be happy at the expansive and lush pasture. Alas! Good time did not last for Tina. She died of foot infection only a few months after being transported to the elephant paradise. - Ayee