Third-party Specialist Concludes Moving Lucy Would be Life-threatening
September 14, 2009
A veterinarian with 35 years experience caring for and treating elephants has concluded moving Lucy, the Edmonton Valley Zoo elephant, would put her life at risk.
James Oosterhuis is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, a lead researcher with the Colyer Institute, a non-profit centre for the study of oral disease and nutrition with exotic animals and has considerable experience transporting both healthy and compromised elephants. He examined Lucy, a 34-year old Asian elephant, along with Dr. Milton Ness, the Edmonton zoo’s veterinarian, on Thursday, September 10.
“Her (Lucy’s) current respiratory problems preclude any thought of moving her and in fact it would (be) life threatening for her to be placed under that kind of stress,” says Dr. Oosterhuis in a follow-up letter to the Edmonton Valley Zoo. “It is my opinion that it would be unethical for any veterinarian to recommend moving her and in fact would be malpractice to sign a health certificate for her at this time.”
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recognizes that Lucy’s breathing issue makes it unsafe for her to travel and transporting her would contravene the Health of Animals Act, as it pertains to the humane transport of animals. The Canadian Association for Zoos and Aquariums, the Valley Zoo’s accrediting body, recognize Lucy’s unique circumstances and agree with the City’s decision to keep Lucy at the zoo. Alberta’s Sustainable Resource Development department, the provincial department responsible for granting zoo permits, also acknowledges that Lucy’s unique circumstances require her to stay in Edmonton.
“Given the professional opinion we have received and what we have been told by regulatory agencies, it is clearer than ever before that the City of Edmonton cannot, and will not, move Lucy to another facility,” says Linda Cochrane, General Manager for Community Services, the City department responsible for the Edmonton Valley Zoo. “The risk that a move will result in her death is just too great. We owe it to this exceptional animal to continue to make decisions that are in her best interest.”
During the examination a three-metre-long endoscope was used to observe the inside of Lucy’s trunk. The scope showed that Lucy’s nasal passages are severely constricted, which makes it difficult for Lucy to breathe through her trunk. Lucy has adapted by learning to breathe through her mouth. She finds it more difficult to breathe when she is in stressful situations, such as traveling.
“It is remarkable to me that Lucy has adapted to this health issue. She is a survivor,” says Dr. Ness. “As a professional veterinarian, and like all Edmontonians, I want what is best for Lucy and what is best for Lucy is to stay in Edmonton where she has lived for 32 years.”
The cause of Lucy’s constricted nasal passages will continue to be investigated. Dr. Ness believes the constriction is caused by her dental issue. The problem tooth recently fell out but the respiratory condition remains. Lucy’s breathing will continue to be monitored as her mouth heals and the replacement molar erupts over time.
“I look forward to receiving a full report from Dr. Oosterhuis and working with him to manage and clarify the cause of Lucy's breathing challenge, develop the best go forward treatment plan and ensure that Lucy's environment is the best possible,” says Dr. Ness. “I will also continue to seek opinions from other experts in this field as required to make sure we have covered all possibilities in providing the best health care for Lucy.”
Videos and additional information about Lucy is available at Valley Zoo.
For more information:
Mary Lou Reeleder
| Title | Communications, Community Services |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 780-442-0970 |
| marylou.reeleder@edmonton.ca |
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