PETA and Voice for Animals Members Suffering From Arthritis to Call for Elephant to Be Retired to a Sanctuary
For Immediate Release:
April 26, 2012
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Edmonton, Alberta -- Holding up signs that read, "Arthritis Hurts. We Know. Let Lucy Go!" and "Lonely Lucy: Retire Her to a Sanctuary," arthritis sufferers, including members of PETA and Voice for Animals Humane Society, will descend on City Hall on Friday to protest Lucy's continued confinement to the city-owned Edmonton Valley Zoo. The Supreme Court decision that the case cannot be heard means that the responsibility to let Lucy live—retired and cared for in a warmer climate—rests squarely with the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Edmonton Humane Society, and the city of Edmonton. Lucy suffers from arthritis and chronic foot problems—the leading causes of death among captive elephants—as well as respiratory problems and behavior reflective of severe psychological distress.
When: Friday, April 27, 12 noon
Where: Outside City Hall, 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
"The city of Edmonton and the Edmonton Humane Society—in shirking their duties—have directly caused Lucy's misery," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "She has suffered for 37 years, and Edmonton needs to let her go now so that she can find peace and other elephants to enjoy in her final years."
The Toronto Zoo has announced that it will relocate three elephants to the PAWS Sanctuary in California. The Calgary Zoo is also making similar plans to relocate its elephants.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.