City of Edmonton Welcomes Supreme Court of Canada Ruling

EDMONTON, April 26, 2012 /CNW/ - The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled in favour of the City of Edmonton, and will not hear an appeal on a court case regarding Lucy, the 36-year-old Asian elephant living at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. City solicitor Steven Phipps issued the following statement in response to the court ruling: 

"We are pleased but not surprised that the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled in favour of the City of Edmonton. It's time to move forward and allow the exceptional people who work at the Edmonton Valley Zoo to focus on looking after Lucy and all of the other animals in their care.

While the Edmonton Valley Zoo's long term goal is not to house elephants, the City of Edmonton will continue to make decisions in the best interest of Lucy - an individual animal with individual needs. Given Lucy's complex and unique respiratory condition, an internationally respected elephant expert has clearly stated the best course of action is for Lucy to remain in Edmonton.

The City of Edmonton remains committed to providing Lucy with the best care she would receive anywhere."

The Alberta Court of Queen's Bench dismissed the action brought against the City in 2010. That decision was upheld by the Alberta Court of Appeal in 2011. The ruling was about whether the proper legal process had been followed.

For information and videos about Lucy, go to www.edmonton.ca/Lucy.

Mary Lou Reeleder
Strategic Advisor, Communications
Community Services, City of Edmonton
Phone: [phone]
[email protected]