Here is the history of Lucy’s life and the 16-year campaign for her to date that is important for all Lucy advocates to know.

The Lucy Files

A history of Lucy's life and a summary of efforts made on behalf of Lucy at the Edmonton Valley Zoo

1975

Lucy was born in Sri Lanka in 1975. She was captured as a calf in 1976. She arrived at Edmonton Valley Zoo when she was two years old after a successfully negotiated deal, travelling over thirteen thousand kilometres via Germany from the Pinnawala Elephant orphanage and breeding centre.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and breeding centre was established by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation in 1975 to provide food, care and sanctuary to orphaned baby elephants that were found in the wild. Numerous reports, however, dispute the fact that this facility is a sanctuary. Whilst Pinnawala Elephant orphanage is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular animal attractions, the welfare of the elephants is an ongoing cause for concern for many experts.

1977

Lucy arrived at Edmonton Valley Zoo (formerly known as Storyland Valley Zoo) at the age of two. he remained alone at the zoo for the first 12 years in Edmonton.

1986-1988

In 1986 and 1987 Lucy was trucked to the Calgary Zoo, situated three hours away from Edmonton, where it was described that she was on loan for breeding purposes. Lucy was returned to the Edmonton Valley Zoo after failing to be impregnated. A 2nd breeding loan was arranged with the Calgary Zoo that had the same result.

Records received via Freedom of Information from the North Carolina Zoo indicate the Edmonton Valley Zoo was not large enough to support a group of elephants, so, had the attempts to breed Lucy been successful it would have only resulted in animals living in cramped quarters without sufficient space to exercise. Lucy continued to live on her own for twelve years

1989

In 1989, an 18 month old African elephant called Samantha, captured from the wild during a cull in Zimbabwe, arrived at the zoo. Lucy was finally not alone.

Lucy started to develop foot problems. Since 1989, Lucy has suffered from foot infections, including pus-filled, bleeding abscesses on her feet.

Note: Foot infections are a leading cause of death in captive elephants. Foot problems are often made worse by a lack of exercise, obesity, standing on hard earth or concrete floors and cool, damp conditions. Wild elephants rarely have these problems.

1991

Lucy was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Note: Arthritis is a common and serious ailment for elephants confined in zoos. It can be made worse by lack of exercise, obesity, standing on hard earth or concrete floors and cool, damp conditions. Wild elephants are not known to suffer from arthritis.

2004

According to veterinary records, Lucy started displaying breathing problems such as wheezing, gurgling in her trunk and open mouth breathing. To date, the zoo has not provided a diagnosis and, to our knowledge, Lucy has had no treatment.

Note: The zoo continues to use her breathing problems as the reason she would not survive transportation to a sanctuary.

Lucy's health record indicated that she had a sharp object removed from a hole in a pad on her right foot.

Zoocheck has obtained Lucy's medical records and there remains no evidence that Lucy is too sick to be moved as the zoo claims. EVZ continues to refuse to allow in a team of independent elephant vets to examine and treat Lucy, if necessary.

2005

Discussions between animal welfare organizations Zoocheck and Voice for Animals (V4A) began about getting the elephants relocated. Zoocheck and V4A visited the zoo and took photos for the start of the campaign. Letters were sent to Edmonton City Council and an action alert was initiated to generate letters from the public to city council.

Zoocheck obtained Lucy's medical records and there remained no evidence that Lucy was too sick to be moved as the zoo claims. EVZ continues to refuse to allow in a team of independent elephant vets to examine and treat Lucy, if necessary.

2006

A meeting was held with city council to request that Lucy and Samantha be moved to a sanctuary and that the elephant exhibit be closed. An action alert was generated asking people to let city council know that they want the elephants moved.

The end of Samantha's trunk was torn off when she was exploring a latch on a gate. A media release was issued to remind citizens of the plight of both elephants and the conditions at EVZ.

Zoocheck commissions an elephant expert to review and report on Canadian captive elephant enclosures and behaviour.

Zoocheck has obtained Lucy's medical records and there remains no evidence that Lucy is too sick to be moved as the zoo claims. EVZ continues to refuse to allow in a team of independent elephant vets to examine and treat Lucy, if necessary.

Zoocheck engaged Dr Winnie Kiiru, an elephant expert from Kenya, to assess all elephant facilities in Canada. As part of this project, Dr. Kiiru visited Lucy and Samantha at the Edmonton Valley Zoo.

2007

A 26-page report on Canadian elephants was written by Winnie Kiiru, PhD. Regarding the EVZ, she reported that "The Edmonton Valley Zoo, in my opinion, is the most problematic due to its northern location and cold climate. Lucy and Samantha are both suffering from stereotypic behavior and Lucy shows signs of severe arthritis and possible foot problems. The City of Edmonton should take steps to move these 2 elephants to a more appropriate facility where they will have time to heal and can live in more healthy social groupings with other elephants."

In her report, she described the outdoor elephant enclosure at the Valley Zoo as having no vegetation and the ground was mainly earth. Although there was ample vegetation outside the enclosure, the elephants had no access to it. There were no rocks to rub against or any pools of water to drink from or to wallow in. Lucy displayed the typical rocking motion of a distressed or bored elephant.

An analysis was done to determine the amount of time both Lucy and Samantha are locked indoors and a media release was issued.

Copies of the finalized expert report were sent to Edmonton’s mayor and city council along with a letter requesting that the elephants be moved to a sanctuary – no response was received from council, although it generated significant media interest.

A meeting was held with a few city councillors who were sympathetic to Lucy's situation at which time they expressed concern for Lucy's ability to survive transfer as the zoo had convinced them she may not make it.

Action alerts for letter writing, letters to the editor, information tables set up by V4A throughout the city.

Zoocheck requested Lucy and Samantha's medical records via the Freedom of Information Act and conducted a behavioural study of both elephants. The study revealed that both elephants were lethargic and exhibiting stereotypic behaviours.

In September, Lucy's companion Samantha was sent to the North Carolina Zoo on a long-term breeding loan and has never returned. Note: Lucy has remained alone since that time – 2007.

A meeting was held with a few city councillors who were sympathetic to Lucy's situation at which time they expressed concern for Lucy's ability to survive transfer as the zoo had convinced them she may not make it.

Lucy's health record indicated that her keeper removed a 2-inch stick from a hole in her left front foot.

Complaints were issued to the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) regarding Lucy now residing alone and the zoo’s vet consultant reiterated that Lucy cannot survive a move. EHS refuses to pursue the matter any further. Letters were written to Canadian Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) regarding the same and they refused to act stating the zoo assured them Lucy was doing fine.

Lucy's medical records were sent by Zoocheck to two elephant veterinarians in the US to offer an opinion on Lucy's condition and if it was safe to move her. Vets advise that there is no evidence to support EVZ's claim that Lucy was too sick to be moved.

2008

V4A held several protests at City Hall to remind the public that Lucy is languishing all alone.

Zoocheck hired a professional photographer to document Lucy's conditions which were highlighted in a photo report.

Zoocheck consulted with lawyers in an attempt to seek legal avenues to help Lucy.

Lucy was diagnosed with the early stages of colic in August. Colic is a digestive system disease that can be very painful.

Zoocheck has obtained Lucy's medical records and there remains no evidence that Lucy is too sick to be moved as the zoo claims. EVZ continues to refuse to allow in a team of independent elephant vets to examine and treat Lucy, if necessary.

2009

In early 2009, celebrity game show host and prominent animal welfare advocate Bob Barker joined the campaign and along with Zoocheck, offered to fly in renowned veterinary elephant experts to Edmonton at no charge to the city or zoo.

Note: In addition, there are standing offers that remain today for an all expense paid transfer for Lucy to either The Elephant Sanctuary (TES) in Tennessee, or The Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) sanctuary in California.

Other animal welfare organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and In Defense of Animals (IDA) joined the fight to have Lucy sent to sanctuary.

Bob Barker, Dr. Joyce Poole (co-founder of ElephantVoices and a world-renowned elephant researcher), and PAWS co-founder Ed Stewart all visited the Valley Zoo to see Lucy and meet with the zoo's executives in an effort to convince them to send Lucy to PAWS. Bob and Joyce both appear and speak on this video.

PETA enlisted the help of William Shatner who wrote to city council, and NHL hockey player Georges Laraque offered $100,000 to cover costs associated with relocating Lucy.

Thousands of letters were sent to EHS and Alberta’s Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) regarding violations of the Alberta Zoo Standards.

Zoocheck ran ads on billboards and bus shelters in Edmonton for Lucy.

Edmonton veterinarian Dr. Debi Zimmermann wrote a report entitled “One Veterinarian's Search For The Truth in the Lucy the Elephant Debate”. She summarized: “It has been well documented that the leading cause of a premature death in captive elephants are chronic infections (especially of the feet), followed closely by obesity, circulatory issues and chronic stress. All of these health issues can be related directly to inadequately addressing the complex ecological, social, behavioral and physiological needs of these animals in a captive situation. Lucy’s serious health issues are therefore the quintessential reason why she should be moved. Her age, as well as the severity and chronicity of her diseases, command urgency in this action”.

Voice for Animals held rallies to free Lucy in July and September.

Lucy had been having ongoing dental problems due to an impacted tooth. This kind of tooth condition is often due to an inappropriate diet. The tooth fell out in 2009.

It was also noted at this time that Lucy was grossly obese as a result of her inactivity.

Note: The extra weight can aggravate her arthritis and foot problems causing increased pain.

A welfare study of Lucy was undertaken by Asian elephant biologist Dr. Surendra Varma which indicated that Lucy's welfare assessment score was recorded as 3.1 (out of a possible 10).

In addition, it was noted that Lucy was frequently displaying abnormal stereotypic behaviours. Lucy spends most of her time inactive as opposed to normal elephants who remain active up to 20 hours a day. Lucy demonstrates 2 kinds of stereotypies: rocking and stepping back and forth. These type of activities indicate an abnormal interaction between Lucy and her environment.

Zoocheck published a list of renowned elephant veterinarians, biologists and experts, plus prominent Canadians who want an independent expert assessment of Lucy. This impressive list includes Drs. Joyce Poole, Keith Lindsay, Philip K. Ensley, Debi Zimmermann, Gay Bradshaw and Dame Daphne Sheldrick. Famous Canadians including William Shatner and former Edmonton Oiler hockey star Georges Laraque add their names, and iconic Canadian author Margaret Atwood leads the long list of authors signing on to the request.

View the full list here of influential people who wanted an independent expert assessment of Lucy.

Zoocheck has obtained Lucy's medical records and there remains no evidence that Lucy is too sick to be moved as the zoo claims. EVZ continues to refuse to allow in a team of independent elephant vets to examine and treat Lucy, if necessary.

2010

In January 2010, Julie Woodyer, Campaigns Director of Zoocheck, Tove Reece, Director of Edmonton’s Voice for Animals Humane Society and PETA joined forces to file a lawsuit against the City of Edmonton on Lucy’s behalf. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/peta-sues-edmonton-over-elephant-1.931917

The legal application included the argument of moving Lucy to a warmer, less hostile climate, because the elephant experts believe that her inadequate living conditions had aggravated her chronic health issues, which include arthritis, chronic foot and respiratory problems.

The applicants alleged that because Lucy was suffering from a number of illnesses that she was under distress. They asked the court to declare the City of Edmonton in violation of the Animal Protection Act. The application was supported by affidavits filed by veterinarians and elephant experts, including Dr Joyce Poole and Dr Keith Lindsay.

The administrators of the Edmonton Valley Zoo have consistently argued that Lucy is comfortable and content living at the zoo, and that she is deeply bonded with the humans who work with her. They have always maintained that she receives excellent care.

The application was heard and dismissed. The judge ruled this legal action was an abuse of process for two reasons: that the application did not conform with the legislative path for bringing issue to the Court and that no individual can bring a civil action to enforce criminal law.

2011

March - Julie Woodyer, Campaigns Director of Zoocheck, Tove Reece, Director of Edmonton’s Voice for Animals Humane Society and PETA appealed to Alberta’s Supreme Court. The two issues identified on appeal were: did the judge make an error in denying the applicants’ standing to seek a declaration and did the judge make an error in concluding that the proceedings were an abuse of process?

2 of the 3 justices decided against it. The appeal was dismissed. However, Madame Justice Catherine Fraser, in the minority, wrote that in her opinion the Zoocheck application was not an abuse of process and should go to trial. Her opinion has been described as one the most important legal opinions for animals in Canada’s history and has been quoted in many publications.

Voice for Animals held a protest at the entrance to The Edmonton Valley Zoo.

Edmonton Valley Zoo ranked #2 on In Defense of Animals' list of Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants.

Zoocheck has obtained Lucy's medical records and there remains no evidence that Lucy is too sick to be moved as the zoo claims. EVZ continues to refuse to allow in a team of independent elephant vets to examine and treat Lucy, if necessary.

Zoocheck initiated a Kids Save Lucy campaign where kids sent postcards to Edmonton City Councillors. These were ignored along with all of the other correspondence. There was also a Kids Save Lucy web page briefly.

Voice for Animals held a Free Lucy protest in October at the Edmonton Valley Zoo

In Defense of Animals published their annual list of Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants - the Edmonton Valley Zoo ranked #1.

Zoocheck has obtained Lucy's medical records and there remains no evidence that Lucy is too sick to be moved as the zoo claims. EVZ continues to refuse to allow in a team of independent elephant vets to examine and treat Lucy, if necessary.

2012

Voice for Animals, in conjunction with PETA, were granted permission by Sir Paul McCartney to set up an information table about Lucy during his concert at Rexall Place in Edmonton.

In Defense of Animals published their annual Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants list - the Edmonton Valley Zoo ranked #1.

On November 9th, Canada’s national CBC network documentary program “The Fifth Estate” reported on Lucy in “The Elephant in the Room”, covering the efforts to relocate Lucy and the 3 Toronto Zoo elephants to US sanctuaries. This first of two Fifth Estate programs on Canada’s zoo elephants gave Lucy national and international media attention.

Video clip featuring Lucy at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y366B3OAJhM

Zoocheck has obtained Lucy's medical records and there remains no evidence that Lucy is too sick to be moved as the zoo claims. EVZ continues to refuse to allow in a team of independent elephant vets to examine and treat Lucy, if necessary.

2013

Lucy was examined by Dr. James Oosterhuis, who was a paid consultant hired by EVZ. He reported that Lucy's respiratory problem precludes her from being placed in any stressful situation such as putting her through the rigors of being moved to another facility.

Note: Dr. Oosterhuis mistakenly notes that elephants are obligate nasal breathers, which according to the most current top experts, this is not true. It should be noted that Oosterhuis himself says he has no idea what's wrong with Lucy, if anything. She remains undiagnosed today. It should also be noted that the EVZ claims they have consulted with many veterinarians, her medical records show that these vets have not examined Lucy directly. It is rather difficult for a vet to diagnose a patient if he or she does not get to see them.

Voice for Animals held a Free Lucy protest on Family Day which included a blockade at the entrance to The Edmonton Valley Zoo. Two more protests were held in the summer of 2013.

Macleans magazine published an article by Barbara Amiel called "The Shame of Zoos" that featured Lucy's plight.

Voice for Animals held a special screening of the film “An Apology to Elephants” at the Metro Cinema in Edmonton. Personal invitations were given to all mayoral and city council candidates who were running in the upcoming election.

With a grant from Lush in September 2013, V4A created and ran photo ads in Edmonton's commuter trains prior to Edmonton's municipal election in October.

On October 25th, Canada’s national CBC network documentary program “The Fifth Estate” again reported on Lucy in “Elephants on Board: A Journey to Remember”. This follow-up to their 2012 program on Canada’s zoo elephants followed the transfer of the 3 Toronto Zoo elephants to the PAWS sanctuary in California and again featured a segment on Lucy.

This program is available in its entirety online and the coverage of Lucy begins at 24:18.

In Defense of Animals published their annual list of Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants - the Edmonton Valley Zoo ranked #2.

A new mayor and city council were elected in October which brought new hope for Lucy.

Zoocheck has obtained Lucy's medical records and there remains no evidence that Lucy is too sick to be moved as the zoo claims. EVZ continues to refuse to allow in a team of independent elephant vets to examine and treat Lucy, if necessary.

2014

In Defense of Animals published their annual list of Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants - the Edmonton Valley Zoo was the "Hall of Shame" winner.

Lucy is featured in a book written by Rob Laidlaw entitled “5 Elephants”.

On May 2nd, Dr. Milton Ness, Lucy's long-term vet at the Valley Zoo who was a small animal vet by training, passed away and has still not been replaced. The EVZ is currently relying on a local horse clinic and receiving input from a Quebec Zoo veterinarian to care for Lucy (Quebec is roughly 2,200 miles/3,500 km away from Edmonton).

Zoocheck has obtained Lucy's medical records and there remains no evidence that Lucy is too sick to be moved as the zoo claims. EVZ continues to refuse to allow in a team of independent elephant vets to examine and treat Lucy, if necessary.

2015

In January, following the release of IDA’s 2014 Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants list, the EVZ was named the "Hall of Shame" winner; numerous media outlets cover the story. This set off a new wave of international attention for Lucy.

Due to the generosity of North Americans, funds were collected to have a custom made coat made for Lucy. The coat was delivered as an early Valentine's Day gift for Lucy. Within hours of receiving the coat, the zoo stated publicly that they would not use the coat for Lucy as she did not require it and would be donating it to a elephant orphanage in either Asia or Africa. This set off a media firestorm with many media outlets reporting how the zoo denied this gift for Lucy from compassionate, well-meaning people. Many people from all over the world expressed their dismay with the actions of the zoo with thousands of likes and comments on social media.

New photos and videos of Lucy are released that show her appearing miserable and lonely while standing in foot deep snow. Video showing her being led around the zoo in extremely cold weather as the snow crunches beneath her feet generated a lot of attention and outrage and was spread widely on social media.

An article by Friends of Lucy was published on The Dodo’s website and Facebook page. Our article, with over 300 comments under it, is at https://www.thedodo.com/lonely-elephant-walks-in-snow--983583221.html The same article was later shared on the Huffington Post, garnering thousands of likes and comments.

2016

Edmonton Valley Zoo is 4^th on In Defense of Animals Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants in North America.

2017

Edmonton Valley Zoo gets a Dishonorable Mention - Repeat Offender on the annual list of Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants published by In Defense of Animals

By way of Originating Application on 6 April Zoocheck Canada Inc, Voice for Animals Humane Society and Tove Reece sought a judicial review of the decision by the Minister of Environment and Parks to renew the permit held by the Edmonton Valley Zoo under section 13 of the Wildlife Act, RSA 2000. c W-10 and sections 76 to 79 of the Wildlife Regulation, Alta Reg 143 / 1997. [7]

The suit builds on an earlier case from 2011 involving Lucy, in which Zoocheck, among others, asked the courts to declare her in distress, in violation of the Animal Protections Act, which in turn would’ve forced the zoo into action. The court at that time said they had not used the proper legal channels in that suit.

Dec. 8th, Justice Rooke dismissed this application as an abuse of process and on the ground that Zoocheck did not have standing to commence the proceedings.

For more info and affidavits scroll down to Sept 6 at https://www.v4a.org/lucy

2018

January 14 - Polar Dip - Get Cold For Lucy is held in Toronto by Ontario Captive Animal Watch-OCAW

Zoocheck’s legal team sought a judicial review of the 2017 decision of Alberta’s environment and parks Minister to renew the Edmonton Valley Zoo permit. Arguments were heard in March.

Among other things, the Province and the City of Edmonton argued that the animal welfare sections of the Alberta Zoo Standards were not enforceable, meaning zoos do not have to adhere to them. And the presiding judge said that Alberta's Ministries of Agriculture and Forestry, and Environment and Parks, are not responsible for ensuring that the zoo is in compliance with the standards before issuing the annual zoo permit.

Zoocheck’s legal team disagreed, arguing that the Animal Protection Act requires that all of the standards must be followed in order to comply with the law. In a similar circumstance to the first case, it was thrown out on legal technicalities including the public standing issue.

The substantive arguments around Lucy’s health and mental well being have never been allowed to be argued in court as a result.

August 12 - World Elephant Day a peaceful demonstration took place at the Edmonton Valley Zoo in support of Lucy.

2019

Edmonton Valley Zoo is 7^th on In Defense of Animals 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants in North America

May 5 - Decision on the judicial review filed in 2017. The Court of Appeal unanimously reversed Justice Rooke on the abuse of process ground (at paras 47 – 49 and 63 – 68), but the majority of the court (the Majority Decision) affirmed his finding that Zoocheck does not have standing to seek judicial review of the zoo permit renewal. Justice O’Ferrall dissents on this point about standing.

The court said: There are other more appropriate remedies available to the appellants. The Court was advised that after the decision of the chambers judge a further complaint was filed with the Edmonton Humane Society. A further investigation was conducted, following which it was decided not to lay any charges under the Animal Protection Act, although the Society indicated that its investigation "will remain open in order to follow up".

The overall message to Zoocheck is that the only course of legal action concerning Lucy’s well-being is to complain under the Animal Protection Act and hope for an investigation that will lead to some form of order, whether administrative or on conviction by regulatory prosecution, which directs the Edmonton Zoo allow for an independent scientific review and/or acquiesce in Lucy’s transport to a warmer climate. This path has already been travelled by Zoocheck, and it is really a hopeless suggestion by the Majority Decision given how unlikely it is that the Edmonton Zoo will ever face a prosecution on these allegations regarding Lucy (as pointed out by the Dissent at paras 98, 99). Moreover, the legislated penalty for an offence under the Animal Protection Act is merely a fine, and only a $20,000 maximum at that.

June 24 - Zoocheck obtained copies of Lucy’s medical records via Freedom of Information from the past year and had them reviewed by a globally respected, independent veterinarian with extensive elephant experience. The records indicate that Lucy’s health has gotten significantly worse and indicates she is likely nearing the end of her sad, lonely life. Read the update.

Zoocheck and Voice 4 Animals move forward with their appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada because the decision not to give legal standing to the two animal groups in the previous cases regarding Lucy is a dangerous precedent that potentially could impact every animal, both wild and domesticated, across the country.

December 19 - the Supreme Court of Canada announced the decision not to hear Lucy’s case. This fully exhausted any legal options to bring justice for Lucy.

For more than a decade Julie Woodyer of Zoocheck and their co-applicants, have pursued every legal angle on behalf of Lucy. Their legal team believes that the zoo is violating provincial standards by keeping Lucy isolated from her species and failing to provide her with a facility that meets her biological and behavioural needs.

In addition to the legal cases, Zoocheck filed several animal cruelty complaints with authorities regarding Lucy’s inhumane environment and care.

Rather than addressing the fundamental problem that keeping a solitary elephant amounts to cruelty and it's impossible to create a healthy environment for an elephant in Canada’s cold climate, the zoo has made small incremental changes to try to justify keeping her in Edmonton.

Zoocheck suggested that the zoo install a heated therapeutic pool to soothe Lucy’s joints, and build a shelter over her yard to allow her to exercise without having to walk through the ice and snow to get to the winter exercise area. The zoo has failed to follow up on these suggestions, meanwhile spending millions of dollars to upgrade the visitor areas of the zoo.

2020

June - A local group of demonstrators stood outside the Edmonton Valley Zoo lobbying for Lucy. as it opened its gates to the public for the first time Monday after a three-month shutdown due to COVID-19

Cher and Free the Wild says they will take Lucy on as a project.

December - Jane Goodall recorded a video statement urging Edmonton City Council to take the necessary steps to "free Lucy the lonely elephant" https://youtu.be/DFUZV-68NzY

2021

January 19 - The Pro Elephant Network (PREN) sent a letter to Don Iveson, Mayor of the City of Edmonton and Jim Facette, CAZA's Executive Director adding their support to the initiatives seeking a better life for Lucy and request medical and welfare assessments and an urgent review of all options for Lucy.

January 20 - Cher wrote a letter to Mayor Don Iveson and Gary Dewar, Director of EVZ calling for Lucy's release and offering to send independent elephant experts to examine Lucy in order to “determine the genuine status of her health.”

February – Jane Goodall reversed her stance on Lucy. This is not the first time she has done this. She did the same thing with the Toronto zoo elephants and then the Seattle zoo elephants. The Toronto zoo elephants went to PAWS but the Seattle elephants did not go to a sanctuary after her retraction.

February 27 - Twitter storm targeting EVZ, CAZA and Edmonton city council.

March 16, Lucy's Edmonton Warriors (LEW) and Justice for Animals and Nature marched to the Canadian Embassy in Sri Lanka. JAN's president Dr. Ven Omalpe Sobitha Thero handed over an appeal addressed to the Prime Minister of Canada supporting Lucy's release to a Sanctuary to the Canadian High Commissioner.

March 27 Twitter storm For Lucy targeting EVZ, CAZA and Edmonton city council.

For Easter, supporters brought fruit to the zoo for Lucy. The zoo workers said they would send a video of Lucy eating some of her gifted fruit but never did. Lucy probably never got to enjoy the fruit the same as she never got the coat supporters made her.

May 19, for Lucy's “birthday” Lucy supporters:

• recorded videos advocating for Lucy shared on Twitter and Facebook

• ordered cakes for the elephants at ENP in Lucy's honour because Lucy wouldn't be allowed to have anything brought to

• participated in Twitter storm, letter/email campaign to Fifth Estate asking them to do a follow up on the 2012 “Elephant in the room” documentary.

July 1 - March for Lucy at the zoo by local group

Throughout all the legal processes the Edmonton Valley Zoo administrators have not once allowed an independent medical and psychological assessment of Lucy. The zoo administrators commission their own specialists to conduct medical checks on Lucy.

July 16 - Email campaign for Lucy to the Edmonton Mayor and City Councillors and another to Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

August 15 - Advocates for Lucy held a demo outside Edmonton Valley Zoo

Sept - CAZA asked its member zoos to write the Federal government to subsidize their operations for 12 months due to reduced revenue during the pandemic. Sent email to PM Justin Trudeau and the Finance Minister, CAZA against any additional funding of EVZ as long as they refuse free expert assistance for Lucy's assessment.

Nov - Email campaign to Edmonton Mayor and City Council

Lucy's campaign continues.