A consensus is building among zoo experts that elephants cannot be kept humanely in captivity. Zoos simply cannot meet the physical and psychological needs of these large, intelligent, far-ranging and socially complex animals. Their biological needs include vast spaces to roam and a strong need to be part of a multigenerational family.

A 2003 article in the prestigious scientific journal Nature points to elephants as a species particularly prone to poor health, repetitive stereotypic behaviour and breeding difficulties in captivity. Lack of exercise and standing on hard surfaces for long periods wreak havoc on their feet and legs often leading to premature death. In fact, very few captive elephants reach the age of 50, whereas, in the wild elephants routinely reach the age of 70 years.

Lucy, the Asian elephant at the Edmonton Valley Zoo, suffers from arthritis and foot abscesses.  She should not have to suffer to be on display as entertainment for the public.

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee has offered to take Lucy. We ask that she be moved without delay to the Elephant Sanctuary.

Here is an online petition for you to add your voice to.

Voice for Animals Humane Society is a member of World Society for the Protection of Animals or WSPA.

WSPA is currently running an important petition called "Animals Matter to Me" which attempts to call more attention to animal issues world wide by bringing these issues to the door of the UN.

Please take a moment and visit the WSPA site and to add your name to this petition.